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Dictionary Language resources

Thebes

Pronunciation: /θiːbz/

Definition of Thebes

1the Greek name for an ancient city of Upper Egypt, whose ruins are situated on the Nile about 675 km (420 miles) south of Cairo. It was the capital of ancient Egypt under the 18th dynasty (circa 1550–1290 bc) and is the site of the major temples of Luxor and Karnak.

2a city in Greece, in Boeotia, north-west of Athens. Thebes became a major military power in Greece following the defeat of the Spartans at the battle of Leuctra in 371 bc. It was destroyed by Alexander the Great in 336 bc. Greek name Thívai.