Polynices

Polynices (or Polyneices) was the son of King Oedipus of Thebes and Jocasta. When Oedipus was expelled from Thebes, he left the throne equally to his sons Eteocles and Polynices, but also cursed both of them for their disrespect towards him, prophesying that each would die by the other's hand. Eteocles was allotted the first year of rule, but he then refused to surrender the crown and expelled his brother. Polynices first visited King Theseus in Athens, and then King Adrastus in Argos, where he married the king's daughter Argea (after having raped her) and enlisted Adrastus' help in attacking Thebes. However, the 'Seven Against Thebes' were ultimately unsuccessful and, during the attack, Polynices and Eteocles engaged in single combat and both died, as had been prophesied. Creon, who had ascended to the throne of Thebes, decreed that the traitor Polynices was not to be buried, but his sister Antigone defied the order and gave him a respectful burial.