Definition: The region of ancient Greece on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth is known as Boiotia, possibly because of a connection with cattle, since the Greek for cow/cattle is bous. Cadmus settled in Boiotia in the spot where a certain cow rested.
The settlers of Boiotia were the Boiotoi, said to have been expelled from Thessaly [A History of Boeotia, by Robert J. Buck].
The most important city of ancient Boitia was Thebes, the city of Cadmus. Other important cities were Orchomenus, Plataea, and Thespiae, the last of which featured in the Battle of Thermopylae in the Persian Wars. To the south, Boiotia was bounded by on Attica and Megaris. To the north, Boeotia was bounded by Eastern or Opuntian Locris. Phocis was to Boiotia's west. The Athenians considered the Boiotians rural boors.
Alternate Spellings: Boeotia
Examples:
Pindar and Plutarch were famous Greek writers who came from Boiotia.