Thiva. (Thebes) Thiva is situated 87 kilometers (54 miles) from Athens. It is built in a fertile lowland area. From archaeological perspective, it is a very interesting place. According to tradition, King Cadmus founded Thiva. It was the birthplace of Hercules. When you visit Thiva, you can include a visit to the archaeological museum, the Mycenaean tombs and the ruins of temples. Thiva is built on top of the old and Mycenaean Acropolis, Cadmea. The walls around the Acropolis are well preserved in some places. It seems that the building was built in the same way the Minoan buildings were built. When the city grew, it was divided into two parts. The part that was called Thiva was located on the side of the flat land. The part of Acropolis was called Cadmea. In the field of ancient Thiva are many archaeological sites. The hills around Thiva were used as cemeteries. Thiva has a very rich history with ancient Greek, Byzantine and Roman influences. Today Thiva is a very modern city.
Text: Yorgos and Wendy Nikolidakis - Revised by Katrina Butzer