Oracle's Prophecy:
Laius was fated to die by the hands of his own son, Oedipus. When Laius learned this prophecy from the Oracle at Delphi, he sought to prevent it by taking extreme measures. He ordered his wife Jocasta to expose their infant son, Oedipus, to the elements on a mountainside, thus ensuring his demise.
Lack of Evidence:
Since Oedipus was abandoned and adopted by the Corinthian king, Polybus, there was initially no obvious connection between him and the murder of Laius. The lack of immediate witnesses or concrete evidence made it challenging for the Thebans to establish a direct link between Oedipus and Laius's death.
External Focus:
The Thebans' primary concern was not so much the lack of investigation into Laius's death but rather the curse that had befallen their city following the murder. The Sphinx had arrived, terrorizing the city and posing a threat to anyone who failed to answer its riddle. Solving the riddle became the primary focus of attention, which diverted resources and efforts away from investigating Laius's murder.
Fear and Superstition:
The Oracle's prophecy and the city's misfortunes might have instilled a sense of fear and superstition among the citizens of Thebes. They may have viewed the situation as a divine matter, attributing the events to the curse and fate rather than focusing on human culpability.
Absence of Forensic Science:
In ancient times, forensic science and investigative techniques were not as advanced as they are today. The methods available for unraveling crimes were limited, and the concept of thorough investigations might not have been a central concern.
It's important to note that as the story of Oedipus Rex unfolded, the truth about Laius's death gradually emerged through a series of revelations, leading to the realization that the prophecy had come to fruition. The play highlights the tragic consequences of actions and the inevitable unfolding of fate.