Pausanias Analysis

Near this (temple) is the sanctuary of Artemis Eukleia; the statue is a work of Skopas. It is said that the daughters of Antipoenus, Androkleia and Alkis, are buried inside the sanctuary. As the Thebans and Herakles were about to engage in a battle against the Orchomenians, an oracle declared that victory in war would belong to them if a citizen of the most distinguished lineage chose voluntarily to sacrifice himself. Antipoenus—for to him ancestral honor was especially prominent—was not willing to die for the sake of the community; but it seemed good to his daughters. Having willingly caused their own deaths, they received honors in return for this deed.

In front of the temple of Artemis Eukleia there is a lion, made of stone; it is said that Heracles dedicated it after defeating in battle the Orchomenians and their king Erginus, son of Clymenus. Nearby also stands Apollo with the surname Boedromios, and Hermes, who is called Agoraios; this too is an offering of Pindar. About half a stade away from the graves is the pyre of Amphion's children, and to this day the ashes from the pyre still remain.

Near the dedication of Amphitryon, they say, are two stone statues of Athena, surnamed Zosteria ("Girding"). For it was at this place, they say, that he put on his arms, when he was about to engage in battle against the Euboeans and Chalkodon. Indeed, the ancients called the act of putting on armor "girding oneself" (zosasthai). Thus they explain Homer, asserting that when Homer likens Agamemnon’s equipment of armor to the war-belt (zone) of Ares, he too refers metaphorically to the putting on of armor.

The tomb of Zethus and Amphion is a common mound of earth, not large in size. Those who inhabit Tithorea in Phocis wish to carry away earth from this mound, and they do so whenever the sun passes through the constellation Taurus. For at that time, if they take earth from here and place it upon the tomb of Antiope, their land in Tithorea will yield good crops, while the land of the Thebans will not fare likewise. Because of this, the Thebans at that season appoint guards for the tomb.

These cities have trusted these matters because of oracles of Bacis, for it is written also thus in these same oracles: "But whenever a man of Tithorea pours libations and soothing prayers upon the earth to Amphion and Zethus with the sacrifice of a bull, as the bright sun is setting, then truly guard the city from approaching harm, not feeble; for the fruits in it dwindle away when those who divide the land bring offerings to the tomb of Phocus."

Bacis mentions the tomb of Phocus for the following reason. Lycus' wife especially revered Dionysus above all the other gods; and accordingly, after she suffered the events that tradition recounts, Dionysus turned his wrath against Antiope. Yet in the affairs of gods, excessive punishments always somehow provoke resentment. It is said that Antiope was driven mad, lost her senses, and wandered throughout all Greece. Phocus, son of Ornytion, son of Sisyphus, happened upon her, took her as his wife, and cured her. Thus, the tomb was built as a common resting place for both Antiope and Phocus.

The stones near the tomb of Amphion, roughly placed beneath it and with no precise craftsmanship, are said to be the very rocks that once followed Amphion's singing. Similarly, stories are told about Orpheus also, how wild beasts would follow him when he played the lyre.