This is alist of ancient tribes in the ancient territory of Illyria (Ancient Greek:Ἰλλυρία;Latin:Illyria). The nameIllyrians seems to be the name of a single Illyrian tribe that was the first to come into contact with the ancient Greeks, causing the name Illyrians to be applied to all people of similar language and customs.[1] The locations of Illyrian tribes/peoples prior to the Roman conquest are approximate, as sometimes many wholly different locations are given by ancient writers and modern authors (as in the case of theEnchelei).
After theGreat Illyrian Revolt, the Romans deported,[2] split,[3] and resettled Illyrian tribes withinIllyria itself and toDacia, sometimes causing whole tribes to vanish and new ones to be formed from their remains, such as the Deraemestae and the Docleatae, some of them mixed withCeltic tribes (seeCelticization). Many tribal names are known from Romancivitates and the number of theirdecuriae,[4] formed of the dispersed tribes in Illyria.
TheAlbani (Latinized form of Ancient Greek:Ἀλβανοί,Albanoi) were an Illyrian tribe whose first historical account appears in a work ofPtolemy.[5] They were the citizens ofAlbanopolis (Ἀλβανόπολις), located in the center of modernAlbania, in theZgërdhesh hill fort, near the city ofKrujë. The nationalethnonym of theAlbanians is derived from this tribe.[6][7][8]
TheAmantes lived in present-day south-western Albania.[9] The site ofAmantia has been identified with the location of their territory.[10] The toponym has a connection with the modernAlbanian term amë/ãmë ("river-bed, fountain, spring")[11]
TheArdiaei orOuardaioi (Ancient Greek:Ἀρδιαῖοι, Οὐαρδαῖοι; Latin:Vardiaei, Vardaei)[12] were anIllyrian people, originally residing inland,[13] and eventually settling on theAdriatic coast.Strabo describes them as one of the three strongest Illyrian peoples, the other two being theAutariatae andDardani. The political entity of the Ardiaei, which expanded in the south-eastern Adriatic, came to be identified with theIllyrian kingdom in the 3rd century BCE. Under the Ardiaean kingAgron and his wifeTeuta, the Illyrian kingdom reached its apex. It became a formidable power both on land and sea by assembling a great army and fleet, and directly ruling over a large area made up of different Illyrian tribes and cities that stretched from theNeretva River in the north to the borders ofEpirus in the south, while its influence extended throughout Epirus and down intoAcarnania. The Ardiaean realm became one ofRome's major enemies, and its primary threat in theAdriatic Sea. The dominant power of the Illyrian kingdom in the region ceased after its defeat in theIllyro-Roman Wars (229–168 BCE). In Roman times the Ardiaei had 20decuriae
TheAutariatae orAutariates (Ancient Greek:Αὐταριᾶται) were an Illyrian tribe that became prominent between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE.Strabo describes them as one of the three strongest Illyrian peoples, the other two being theArdiaei andDardani. After their defeat during theCeltic invasions of the Balkans in the 4th century, a part of the Autariatae who remained inBosnia graduallyadopted Celtic culture, while another part moved southwards and after an agreement with theKingdom of Macedonia, 20,000 settled in theParorbelian mountain range, in an area between modern south-easternNorth Macedonia, northernGreece and south-westernBulgaria.
TheBalaites were an Illyrian tribe known fromepigraphical findings only who were organizing themselves in akoinon, and it is likely that they lived in the vicinity ofApollonia.[14][15]
TheBathiatae[16] were an Illyrian tribe.
TheBylliones (Βυλλίονες) were an Illyrian tribe.[17][18] They were affected by a partial culturalHellenisation.[19] They constituted one of the most notable Illyriankoina of the Hellenistic period, with their territory featuring a network of several settlements.Byllis andNikaia were their chief centres.
TheCavii were an Illyrian tribe.[20] They lived close toLake Shkodër. Their main settlement wasEpicaria.[21] They are mentioned rarely by ancient writers.[22]
TheDaorsi orDuersi orDaorsii orDaorsei (Ancient Greek:Δαόριζοι, Δαούρσιοι) were an Illyrian tribe.[23] Another name of the tribe was Daversi.[24] The Daorsi had suffered attacks[25] from theDelmatae that made them along withIssa[26] seek the aid of theRoman state. The Daorsi fought on the Roman side, providing them with their strong navy abandoningCaravantius. After theIllyrian Wars, the Daorsi were given immunity. Their most important city wasDaorson. They had 17decuriae.
TheDardani orDardanians were a central Balkan people, among the oldest in the region. They were the most stable and conservative ethnic element among the peoples of the central Balkans, retaining an enduring presence in the region for several centuries. Ancient tradition considered the Dardani as anIllyrian people, andStrabo, in particular describes them as one of the three strongest Illyrian peoples, the other two being theArdiaei andAutariatae. Their name is traditionally connected to the same root asdardhë, theAlbanian word for 'pear', as well as Alb.dardhán,dardán, 'farmer'. The ethnonymPirustae, which is attested since Roman times for a tribe close to the Dardani or living in Dardania, is considered to be the Latin translation ofDardani (cf. Latinpirus "pear"). Subgroups of the Dardani included theGalabri and theThunatae, whose tribal names have been, respectively, connected to theMessapicKalabroi/Calabri andDaunioi/Daunii inApulia (south-easternItaly), of Palaeo-Balkan provenance. In pre-Roman times the Dardani constituted their ownKingdom, often in conflict with their south-eastern neighbor—Macedon.
TheDassaretii (Ancient Greek:Δασσαρῆται, Δασσαρήτιοι) were anIllyrian people who lived in the inlands of southernIllyria, between present-day south-easternAlbania and south-westernNorth Macedonia. They were directly in contact with the regions ofOrestis andLynkestis of UpperMacedonia. The Dassaretii were one of the most prominent peoples of southern Illyria, forming an ethnic state. They made up the ancientIllyrian kingdom that was established in this region. Most scholars hold that the early 4th century BC Illyrian realm ofBardylis—the first attested Illyrian king—was centered alongLake Ohrid and east to thePrespa Lakes in Dassaretan territory, located on the border betweenMacedon andEpirus.
TheDeretini orDerriopes (Ancient Greek:Δερρίοπες) were an Illyrian tribe[27] in Narona conventus with 14decuriae.
TheDeuri orDerbanoi (Ancient Greek:Δερβανοί)[28] were an Illyrian tribe.[29] Other possible names areDerrioi.[30] In a conventus held inSalona after theRoman conquest the Deuri had 25decuriae.[31]
TheDyestes orDyestae (Ancient Greek:Δυέσται)[32] were an Illyrian tribe[33] located around the silver mines ofDamastion. Only Strabo passingly mentions this tribe.
TheEnchelei orSesarethii[34] (Ancient Greek:Ἐγχελεῖς, Σεσαρηθίους, accusative of*Σεσαρήθιοι)[35] were an Illyrian tribe.[36] Their name, given by the Greeks, meant "eel-men". InGreek mythology. According to E. Hamp, a connection with Albanianngjalë makes it possible that the nameEnchele was derived from theIllyrian term for eels[37]Cadmus andHarmonia ruled over them. Several locations are hypothesized for the Encheleans: aroundLake Ohrid;[38] above Lake Ohrid, or in the region ofLynkestis south of theTaulantii.[39]
TheKinambroi (Ancient Greek:Κίναμβροι) were an Illyrian tribe. They surrendered toOctavian in 33 BCE.[30]
TheLabeatae orLabeates (Ancient Greek:Λαβεᾶται) were anIllyrian people that lived on theAdriatic coast of southernIllyria, aroundLake Scodra (the ancientLacus Labeatis). The dynasty of the lastIllyrian kings (Scerdilaidas,Pleuratus,Gentius) was Labeatan. It is possible that the decline of theArdiaean dynasty after QueenTeuta's defeat in theFirst Illyrian War againstRome caused the emergence of the Labeatan dynasty on the political scene. The last known Illyrian king, Gentius, was defeated in theThird Illyro-Roman war in 168. In Roman times the Labeatae minted coins bearing the inscription of theirethnicon.
TheMazaei orMaezaei (Ancient Greek:Μαζαῖοι, Μαιζαῖοι) were atribal group, including 269decuriae.[40][41]
TheMelcumani orMerromenoi orMelkomenioi (Ancient Greek:Μελκομένιοι) were an Illyrian tribe.[42] The Melcumani had 24decuriae.
Narensi orNarensii orNarensioi (Ancient Greek:Ναρήνσιοι)[43] orNaresioi orNaresii (Ancient Greek:Ναρήσιοι) was the name of a newly formed[44] Illyrian tribe[45] from various peoples living around the River Naron orNeretva, mostly in its lower course. The Narensi had 102decuriae.
TheParthini lived in southern Illyria.
Penestae (Ancient Greek:Πενέσται) was the name of an Illyrian tribe.[46] Their chief town wasUscana.
TheSelepitani (Latin:Selepitani) were an Illyrian tribe located below theLake Scutari.
TheSiculotae orSikoulotai were an Illyrian tribe.[47] The Siculotae were part of the Pirustae.[44] The Siculotae had 24decuriae.
TheDalmatae were an ancient Illyrian tribe. It is considered to be connected to theAlbaniandele and its variants which include theGheg formdelmë, meaning "sheep", and to the Albanian termdelmer, "shepherd". They were laterCelticized.[48][49] The Delmatae had 342decuriae.
TheIapydes orJapodes (Ancient Greek:Ἰάποδες,romanized: Iapodes) were an ancient people who dwelt north of and inland from the Liburnians, off the Adriatic coast and eastwards of the Istrian peninsula. The first written mention of an Illyrian tribe known as "Iapydes" is byHecataeus of Miletus.
TheBaridustae were an Illyrian tribe that was later settled inDacia[50] along with Pirustae and Sardeates. The Baridustae were a Dalmatian tribe.[51]
TheTariotes were a subtribe of the Dalmatae that lived on the eastern Adriatic coast.[52]
TheSardiatae orSardiotai were an Illyrian tribe close toJajce.[29] Sardeates were later settled inDacia.[50] The Sardeates had 52decuriae.
TheDocleatae (Ancient Greek:Δοκλεᾶται,romanized: Dokleatai) were an Illyrian tribe that lived in what is nowMontenegro. Their capital wasDoclea[53] (orDioclea), and they are called after the town. They had settled west of theMorača river, up to Montenegro's present-day borders withBosnia and Herzegovina. The Docleatae were prominent for their cheese, which was exported to various Roman provinces within theRoman Empire.[54] They were composed of parts of the Taulantii, the Pleraei or Pyraei,Endirudini,Sasaei,Grabaei, Labeatae[30] that came together after theGreat Illyrian revolt. The Docleatae had 33decuriae.
Pleraei,Plarioi,Pyraei,Pleraioi,Plaraioi orPalarioi (Ancient Greek:Παλάριοι) was the name of an Illyrian tribe.[55]
Endirudini orInterphrourinoi (Ancient Greek:Ἰντερφρουρῖνοι)[56] was the name of an Illyrian tribe that became part of the Docleatae.[30]
Sasaei was the name of an Illyrian tribe that became part of the Docleatae.[30]
TheGrabaei orKambaioi (Ancient Greek:Καμβαῖοι)[56] were a minor Illyrian group that lived aroundLake Scutari.[57]
Deraemestae orDeraemistae was the name of an Illyrian tribe.[58] The Deraemestae were composed of parts[59] of several other tribes such as theOzuaei,Taulantii,Partheni,Hemasini,Arthitae andArmistae. The Deramestae had 30decuriae.
Ozuaei orOzuaioi orOxuaioi (Ancient Greek:Ὀξυαῖοι)[56] was the name of one of the tribes comprising the Deramestae.[59]
Hemasini orHippasinoi (Ancient Greek:Ἱππασῖνοι)[60] was the name of one of the tribes comprising the Deramestae.[59]
Arthitae was the name of one of the tribes comprising the Deramestae.[59]
Armistae was the name of one of the tribes comprising the Deramestae.[59]
Taulantii (Ancient Greek:Ταυλάντιοι) was the name of a cluster[61] of Illyrian tribes. The termtaulantii is connected with theAlbanian worddallëndyshe, ortallandushe, meaning 'swallow'. The ethnonymChelidonioi also reported by Hecateus as the name of a tribe neighboring the Taulantii is the translation of the nameTaulantii askhelīdṓn (χελιδών) means "swallow" in Ancient Greek. According toGreek mythologyTaulas (Tαύλας), one of the six sons ofIllyrius, was theeponymous ancestor of the Taulantii.[62] The Taulantii dominated at various times much of the plain between the riversDrin (Drilon) andVjosa (Aoös). Their central area was the hinterland ofEpidamnos-Dyrrhachion, corresponding to present-dayTirana and the region between the valleys ofMat andShkumbin (Genusus). This tribe played an important role in the Illyrian history of the 4th–3rd centuries BCE, whenKing Glaukias (ruled 335 – c. 302 BCE) ruled over them. Glaukias offered asylum to the infantPyrrhus of Epirus and maintained ties with him after he became king ofEpirus. TheAbroi, a northern subgroup of the Taulantii, were known to the ancient Greek writers for their technique of preparingmead fromhoney.[63]
TheChelidonioi lived in southern Illyria.
TheAbroi lived in southern Illyria.
The namePannonians (Ancient Greek:Παννόνιοι,romanized: Pannonii) refers toIllyrian tribes, who originally inhabited the southern part of what was later known as Roman province ofPannonia, south of the riverDrava (Dravus), and the northern part of the futureRoman province of Dalmatia. In the Roman era, Pannonians settled inDacia, the northern Pannonian plain and the eastern Alps.[64] Some Pannonian tribes appear to have beenCelticized.[65][66]
Julius Pokorny believed the namePannonia is derived fromIllyrian, from theProto-Indo-European root*pen-, "swamp, water, wet" (cf. Englishfen, "marsh"; Hindipani, "water").[67]
The Pannonian tribes inhabited the area between the river Drava and the Dalmatian coast. Early archaeology and onomastics show that they were culturally different from southern Illyrians,Iapodes, and theLa Tène peoples commonly known as theCelts, though they were laterCelticized. However, there are some cultural similarities between the Pannonians and Dalmatians. Many of the Pannonians lived in areas with rich iron ore deposits, so iron mining and production was an important part of their economy before and after the Roman conquest. Apart fromSegestica, the Pannonians did not have settlements of importance in pre-Roman times[68] that were actuallyCeltic. Ancient sources (Strabo,Pliny the Elder, Appian of Alexandria) mention a few of the Pannonian[69] tribes by name, and historians and archaeologists have located some of them.
The Pannonians were not definitely subdued within the province ofIllyricum until theGreat Illyrian Revolt, which started in 6 AD when the Pannonians, together with the Dalmatians and otherIllyrian tribes, revolted, and engaged the Roman Empire in a hard-fought campaign that lasted for three years, when they were finally overcome by the future emperorTiberius andGermanicus in 9 AD. At that point, the province of Illyricum was dissolved, and its lands were divided between the new provinces of Pannonia in the north and Dalmatia in the south.
Amantini (Ancient Greek:Ἄμαντες) was the name of aPannonian[70] Illyrian tribe.[71] They greatly resisted theRomans but were sold as slaves after their defeat.[72] The Amantini were close toSirmium.[73]
TheBreuci (Ancient Greek:Βρεῦκοι,romanized: Breukoi) were a Pannonian Illyrian tribe.[69] They greatly resisted theRomans and some were sold as slaves after their defeat.[72] They received Roman citizenship during Trajan's rule. It is likely that the name of thenorthern Bosnian cityBrčko is derived from the name of thistribe.[74] A number of Breuci settled inDacia.[75]
Bato the Breucian of the Breuci tribe andPinnes from Pannonia were among the leaders of theGreat Illyrian Revolt, together withBato the Daesitiate of theDaesitiates fromDalmatia.[76]
Colapiani was the name of an Illyrian tribe.[77] The Colapiani were created from the PannonianBreuci[78] along with theOsseriates and the CelticVarciani.[citation needed] They lived in the central and southernWhite Carniola, along theKupa river, and were mentioned byPliny the Elder andPtolemy.[79] The archeologists Jaro Šašel and Dragan Božič have attributed theVinica material culture to Colapiani,[80] but opinions are divided.[81]
TheDaesitiates were an Illyrian tribe that lived in what is today centralBosnia and Herzegovina[82] during the time of theRoman Republic. Along with the Maezaei, the Daesitiates were part of the western group of Pannonians in Roman Dalmatia.[83] They were prominent from the end of the 4th century BCE up until the beginning of the 3rd century CE. Evidence of their daily activities can be found in literary sources, as well as in the rich material finds that belong to theCentral Bosnian cultural group. After nearly three centuries of political independence, the Daesitiates (and their polity) were conquered by Roman EmperorAugustus. Afterwards, the Daesitiates were incorporated into the province ofIllyricum with a low total of 103decuriae.[84]
ThePirustae orPyrissaei[85] (Ancient Greek:Πειροῦσται[86] orΠυρισσαῖοι)[56] were aPannonian Illyrian[87] tribe that lived in modernMontenegro. According to some sources, they had also lived in territories outside of modern-day Montenegro, but the majority of archaeologists, including the famous British archaeologistSir Arthur Evans, say that the Pirustae had lived in northern Montenegro, around present-dayPljevlja and that they were prominent miners. Their prominence in mining has been seen in epigraphic monuments fromDacia's mining regions.[88] Pirustae along with otherPannonians andIllyrians like the Sardeates were later settled inDacia (modern-day Romania).[50][89]
TheScirtari orScirtones were an Illyrian tribe.[47] The Scirtari were part of the Pirustae.[44] The Scirtari had 72decuriae.
TheGlintidiones (Ancient Greek:Γλιντιδίωνες) were an Illyrian[90] tribe. The Glintidiones may have been part of the Pirustae.[44] The Glintidiones had 44decuriae.
Ceraunii (Ancient Greek:Κεραύνιοι,romanized: Keraunioi) was the name of an Illyrian tribe that lived close to the Pirustae[91] in modernMontenegro. The Ceraunii were part of the Pirustae.[44] They had 24decuriae.[92] Their name seems to derive from the Greek word for 'thunderbolt'.[93]
TheSegestani (Ancient Greek:Σεγεστανοί,romanized: Segestanoi) were a Pannonian Illyrian tribe who inhabited the area aroundSegestica, later known asSiscia (modern-daySisak inCroatia).[94]
In the 2nd century BCE, the Segestani were attacked without lasting success byconsulsLucius Aurelius Cotta and an unidentifiedCornelius.
In 35 BCE, the Segestani were attacked byAugustus, who conquered and occupied Siscia.
Maezaei orMaizaioi orMazaioi (Ancient Greek:Μαζαῖοι) were a Pannonian Illyrian tribe.[95] TheMaezaei had 269decuriae.
TheAndizetes, also referred to asAndisetes (Ancient Greek:Ἀνδιζήτιοι), were a small Pannonian[96][97] tribe that lived in the territory of present-dayBosnia and Herzegovina. Not much is known about this tribe except that it is found on the list of Illyrian tribes that rose against theRoman Empire during theGreat Illyrian Revolt. The personal name of 'Andes', a variant of the name 'Andis' popular among the Illyrians of southernPannonia and much of northernDalmatia (corresponding roughly with modern Bosnia and Herzegovina), may be derived from the name of this tribe. Alternatively, it is related to the Albanian worddizet/dyzet meaning 'forty' with 'an' as prefix as article; thus, their name would mean "the forties".[98] They started receiving Roman citizenship during Trajan's rule.[74]
TheAzali (Ancient Greek:Ἄζαλοι) were a tribe that inhabited Brigetio (nowSzőny) inNoricum, transported there during the Roman conquest from southern Pannonia.[99] They had been deported after the6–9 AD rebellion.[100] They, along with theEravisci, inhabited theFejér County during theMarcomannic Wars (166–180).[101] Thecivitas azaliorum included the Brigetio legionary fortress and surrounding settlements.[102]
TheDitiones (Ancient Greek:Διτίωνες) were a Pannonian Illyrian tribe.[69] The Ditiones had 239decuriae.
Jasi was the name of a Pannonian Illyrian tribe.[71][103]
TheOsseriates[104] (alsoOseriates), along with the CelticVarciani and theColapiani, were created from the PannonianBreuci.
Illyrii proprie dicti[105] were theIllyrians proper, so called byPliny (23–79 CE) in hisNatural History. They later formed theDocleatae. They were theTaulantii, thePleraei orPyraei, theEndirudini,Sasaei,Grabaei,Labeatae.[citation needed] Illyrians proper were also some of the native communities of Roman Dalmatia.[106]
Atintanii orAtintani orAtintanians were a tribe in Illyria, north ofVia Egnatia. Appian (95–165 CE) mentions them close toEpidamnus.[107] During theIllyrian Wars, the Atintani went over to the Romans and, according to Appian,Demetrius of Pharos tried to detach them from Roman authority. The Atintani seem to have originated from the obscure, perhapsThracianTynteni, only attested in coins.[108] The Atintani were ruled by theThracian dynasty of thePeresadyes.[109]
In the early historical sources from the 8th century BCE, theLiburnians were recorded by name or as separate ethnic groups; and as early as the 6th century BCE,Hecateus noted that the Liburnians were also composed ofCaulici,Mentores,Syopii andHythmitae, probably narrow tribal communities. Later, in the 3rd century BCE,Callimachus mentionedMentores,Hymanes,Enchealae andPeucetias as those who once had been a part of them,Ismeni were also recorded as one of their communities.[110]
Iapygians andMessapians did not dwell in Illyria, but in the heel of southernItaly. They could have had Illyrian origins[112] or some sort of link withIllyria.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "ILLY´RICUM".Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.
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