Abantes

The Abantes (Greek Ἄβαντες, ábantes ) were an ancient Greek tribe that was native to the island of Euboea.

The origin of the Abantes is unclear. They were probably part of an international movement of the mouth of the Asopus from across the Strait of Euripus to Euboea. There are also about the origin of the name Abantes different theories: Aristotle led him back to the Thracians from the Greek city of Abai, who came to Euboea and the local residents are said to have called Abantes. Others attribute the name back to the mythical founders Abas.

The Abantes who had originally settled around the towns of Chalcis and Eretria around, submitted from there the other Euboea peoples ( including the Curetes ), until finally - apparently already the time of Homer - ruled over the island. Euboea should even have been named after them Ἀβαντίς.

The Abantes were displaced or assimilated by the invading Ionians to Euboea. The strain, however, had spread at that time already in Greece, so there are some statements that (about Chios) and indicate in Asia Minor on the immigration of Abantes on the Greek Islands. On behalf of one of the tribes of the city of Chalcis, her name was given in later times up.