At the beginning of Book 4, we learn that three years have passed. The minor war goddess Bellona brandishes her torch and spear, urging men to battle. Again the omens are dire; again, a priest withholds them. The soldiers are eager for war, but reluctant to leave the embraces of their family (1-31).

Statius invokes Calliope, muse of history, to help him catalogue the Argive troops of Polynices (32-8). First comes the weary, elderly king Adrastus and his retinue (38-73). Polynices himself follows, bolstered by the riches and manpower of additional territories Adrastus has gifted him. He is eager to march for Thebes, but torn at leaving his beloved wife Argia (74-92). Next is Tydeus, whose charisma and ability to inspire men rivals that of Polynices (93-115). We meet a new character, the hero Hippomedon, who leads a large cohort of Dorian troops (116-44). Tiryns, the home of Heracles, provides three hundred young men, armed in the customary lion skin and club of their patron (145-57). Nemea provides men, too (159-164). The impious Capaneus—whom we first met in Book 3 when he verbally assaulted the seer Amphiaraus (598-676)—wears a helm decorated with a giant and holds a huge spear (165-87).