Statius: Thebaid, Vol. 1

and Polynices reluctantly departs. Jupiter announces his decision to set Argos against Thebes. 312-720, Polynices’ journey to Argos and his experiences there. ii. 1-33, Apparition of the shade of Laius to Eteocles. 134-305, Wedding celebrations of Polynices and Tydeus at Argos. 306-743, and iii. 1-439, Tydeus goes on embassy to Thebes, the ambush set for him, his victory and return. 440-721, Auspice-taking; war is decided on at Argos. iv. 1-344, Catalogue of the Argive host. 345-645, Plight of Thebes: necromancy. 646-842 and v. 1-16, Bacchus causes the Argives to be delayed by thirst: they are saved by Hypsipyle, nurse of Opheltes, infant son of Lycurgus, king of Nemea. 17-498, Narrative of Hypsipyle. 499-753, Death of Opheltes. vi. 1-248, Funeral rites of Opheltes. 249-946, Funeral games. vii. 1-397, Catalogue of the Thebans. 398-823, The fighting begins: disappearance of the augur Amphiaraus. viii. 1-342, Amphiaraus’s reception in the underworld; his successor is appointed. 342-766, Exploits and Death of Tydeus. ix. 1-569, Exploits and Death of Hippomedon. 570-907, Fears of Atalanta for Parthenopaeus: his death. x. 1-261, Intervention of Juno. 262-448, Night-raid and devotion of Hopleus and Dymas. 449-826, Devotion of Menoeceus. 827-936, Death of Capaneus. xi. 1-314, Preparations for the duel between the brothers. 315-761, The duel. Exile of Oedipus, and end of the war. xii. 1-463, Funeral rites of the Thebans. Devotion of Antigone and Argia. 464-809, Intervention of Theseus, after supplication of Argive women at Athens.

In the concluding lines of the poem Statius exhorts his Thebaid to follow far behind the divine Aeneid