During his time in the service of the Lydian queen Omphale, Heracles is forced by the tyrant in Aulis, Syleus, to dig up his vineyards. This is what has happened to all strangers who have passed by. Not only were they forced to work, after completing the task Syleus killed them. But Heracles puts an end to the goings-on. For his part, he punishes Syleus by pulling the vines out of the ground together with their roots and then slays Syleus and his daughter Xenodoke.
This episode from the life of Heracles is handed down in Apollodor's extensive compilation of ancient myths, the 'Library' (2,132). (AVS)
Former August Kestner Collection, Rome
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