Near Oropos, to the north of Athens, was the sanctuary of the healer-god Amphiaraus, which was founded in the latefifth century BC. According to the myths, Amphiaraus was king of Argos and took part in the campaign mounted by Polynices to dislodge his brother Eteocles from the throne of Thebes. When the campaign failed, Amphiaraus fled to Attica with his enemies in hot pursuit-and as they were about to kill him, Zeus unleashed a thunderbolt which split open the earth, into which Amphiaraus vanished, to emerge later from a spring. At that point, the people of Oropos built a sanctuary, which developed into the political and therapeutic centre of their city. Those in search of a cure for their illnesses or a solution to their problems slept on a goat-skin and the advice of Amphiaraus was vouchsafed to them in their dreams. The remains of the Amphiaraeion can be seen today in an attractive ravine near Oropos.