**Bottiaeans**
The Bottiaeans were an ancient people who inhabited the region of Bottiaea in Macedonia, northern Greece. Known primarily from classical sources, they played a role in the early history of Macedonia before being displaced or assimilated by expanding Macedonian tribes.
## Origins and Location
The Bottiaeans are believed to have been a distinct ethnic group residing in Bottiaea, an area located between the Thermaic Gulf and the Axios River. Their origins remain somewhat obscure, with some ancient accounts suggesting they may have been of Cretan or Thracian descent.
## Historical Significance
In the early classical period, the Bottiaeans were involved in regional conflicts and alliances, notably opposing Macedonian expansion under King Alexander I. Eventually, they were either expelled or absorbed into the Macedonian kingdom, with some groups relocating to the Chalcidice peninsula, where they founded several settlements.
## Legacy
Though largely assimilated, the Bottiaeans contributed to the cultural and demographic landscape of ancient Macedonia. Their name survives primarily in geographic references and classical historical texts.
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**Meta Description:**
The Bottiaeans were an ancient people of Macedonia known for their early presence in Bottiaea and interactions with the Macedonian kingdom. Their origins and eventual assimilation remain subjects of historical interest.