In Greek mythology, Aerope was the wife of King Atreus of Mycenae. She had an affair with his brother, Thyestes.
Atreus promised Artemis that he would sacrifice his best lamb to her. Upon finding a golden lamb, however, he gave it to Aerope to hide. She, in turn, gave the lamb to Thyestes, who agreed with Atreus that the person who possessed the golden lamb should become king of Mycenae. Atreus agreed and Thyestes seized the throne.
Atreus eventually retook the throne through similar treachery (see Atreus) and the brothers' rivalry, part of the curse of Tantalus, continued for two more generations (see Agamemnon and Orestes).
