Clitae (Macedonia)

Clitae was an ancient city located in the region of Macedonia, specifically in the territory of the Dassaretae. Its precise location is still debated among scholars, but it is generally believed to have been situated near Lake Lychnidus (modern Lake Ohrid).

Clitae is primarily known from the writings of ancient historians, particularly Livy, in connection with the Roman-Macedonian Wars of the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. It played a role as a strategic point during these conflicts. The city and its surrounding territory were often contested by various powers, including the Illyrians, Macedonians, and Romans.

Historically, Clitae appears to have been a fortified settlement, though the scale of its fortifications and overall importance relative to other Macedonian cities is not fully understood due to the limited available historical and archaeological evidence. There is no evidence to suggest it was a major political or economic center of the region.

The people of Clitae, like other communities in the Dassaretae, were likely influenced by both Illyrian and Macedonian cultures.

Further archaeological investigations in the Lake Ohrid region may shed more light on the exact location and significance of Clitae in antiquity. The limited information available currently prevents a more detailed understanding of its history and society.