Thebes is a municipality (population 36,000) in Boeotia, Central Greece, and the chief market town of an agricultural region. It is noted for production of various commodities including wheat and olive oil, and it is a centre for silk manufacture.
Thebes is one of the world's oldest towns and cities, having been inhabited since the Bronze Age. It has strong associations with Greek legends such as Cadmus, Oedipus, and the Seven Against Thebes. During classical antiquity, it was the greatest city-state of Boeotia and the main rival to Athens and Sparta. Famous citizens included Epaminondas and Pelopidas.