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Cadmea

ancient fortress, Greece

Quick Summary

Cadmea was the ancient citadel of Thebes, a major city in ancient Greece. Legend attributes its founding to Cadmus, who, with the help of the Spartoi (warriors sprung from dragon's teeth), built the citadel. Archaeological evidence suggests the site was inhabited during the Bronze Age, with a palace adorned with frescoes. Thebes, and by extension Cadmea, was a significant Mycenaean power until its destruction around 1200 BCE. The term "Cadmean" refers to anything associated with Cadmus or Thebes. The phrase "Cadmean victory" describes a win achieved at a great cost to the victor, referencing the mutual destruction of warriors sown by Cadmus.1234

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5 Britannica Sources
  1. Thebes
  2. Thebes
  3. Cadmean
  4. Cadmus
  5. Cadmean victory

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