person
Amphiaraus
also: Amphiaraus
Mythical seer of Argos, one of the Seven Against Thebes, who foreknew his own death in the campaign but was bound by oath to join it; a recurring figure in tragedy (Aeschylus, Euripides) and a type of the man who acts rightly despite knowing he is doomed. Cited by Cicero in Fam. 6.6.6.
Reading notes
- Ad Familiares 6.6 §6 as Amphiaraus in the plays sets out
Amphiaraus, the seer of the Seven Against Thebes, who foresaw his own death in the campaign yet was compelled by oath to go; the phrase in quotes is a tragic tag (from Accius or Euripides' Alcmaeon). Cicero uses it to portray his own joining of Pompey's camp as equally foreseen and equally doomed.