Myth, Literature, and the Creation of the Topography of Thebes

Thebes' urban topography, shaped over millennia, mirrors its mythic past more closely after Alexander the Great's destructive campaign in 335 BC. This study reveals how Greek literature—from oral epics to Roman travel accounts—influenced the city's physical development, blending fictional narratives with real spaces. By analyzing literary representations alongside archaeological evidence, researchers demonstrate that Thebes' built environment increasingly reflected its legendary history, particularly after catastrophic events. The findings highlight the interplay between myth, literature, and urban planning in one of Greece's most myth-rich cities.

Berman, D. W. (2015). Myth, Literature, and the Creation of the Topography of Thebes. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9781139924863