The Cadmée (in Greek old Καδμεία/ Kadmeia ) is the citadel of the Greek Cité of Thèbes, the acropolis thebaine.

Its legendary founder is Cadmos, wire of Agénor (king of Tyr in Phénicie), left in vain to research his sister Europe removed by Zeus.

In 382 av. J. - C., the Spartan Phoibidas, within the framework of the operations lacédémoniennes in Chalcidique, is diverted its road and takes by storm Cadmée, with the complicity of Léontiadès, chief of the faction laconophile of Thèbes. Sparte installs a garrison in the city, whose government is assumed by an oligarchy made up of Léontiadès and its friends.

After the defeat of Chéronée (338) vis-a-vis Philippe II of Macedonia, this citadel will be occupied by a garrison.