The War of the 'Seven Against Thebes was the result of a succession dispute to the throne of Thebes. The late king Oedipus had left the throne to his two sons; Eteocles and Polynices, who alternated their rule every year. However, Eteocles exiled his brother from Thebes and claimed the throne for himself. This led Polynices to assemble an army to take back the city.