Eurystheus of Mycenae

AncientEmperorMycenae-1280 — -1250

Set the Twelve Labors for Heracles, killed in battle.

Compare Eurystheus of Mycenae with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1280 BCE

Died

1250 BCE

Country

Mycenae

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)26

Political (20%)28

Influence (20%)53

Legacy (20%)48

Leadership (15%)42

Strategy (15%)40

Total Score42.4

Eurystheus of Mycenae — Complete Timeline

1270 BC

Imposed the Twelve Labors on HeraclesPolitical Action

Eurystheus, as king of Mycenae, commanded Heracles to perform twelve seemingly impossible tasks as penance for killing his family. These labors included slaying the Nemean Lion and capturing the Erymanthian Boar.

HeraclesMythologyPunishment

Impact: globaldestructive

1260 BC

Refused to Acknowledge Heracles' LaborsPolitical Action

After each labor, Eurystheus refused to count certain tasks as valid, forcing Heracles to perform additional labors. This prolonged Heracles' servitude and increased the king's reputation for cowardice.

HeraclesDeception

Impact: regionaldestructive

1250 BC

Killed in Battle by Heracles' SonsWar◆ Major

Eurystheus was killed in battle near the Scironian Cliffs while pursuing the Heracleidae, the sons of Heracles, who had returned to reclaim the Peloponnese. His death ended the Perseid dynasty's rule over Mycenae.

BattleDeathHeracleidae

Impact: regionaltragic