THE BURNING Alcmene Alcmene; wife of Amphitryon; was deceived by Zeus who spent a long night with her three days following which gave birth to twins Heracles (son of Zeus) and Ificlo (son of Amphitryon). Amphitryon when he learned of the betrayal he wanted to punish her killing her at the stake; but another intervention of Zeus he put out the flames saving the woman; who was forgiven by her husband. detail of the decoration of a bell krater in terracotta; 340-330 BC.