Illyricum
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Illyricum was a province of the Roman Empire located in the northwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula. This region was originally inhabited by the Illyrians, an Indo-European people, from around the 10th century BCE. At its greatest extent, Illyria's borders stretched from the Danube River to the Adriatic Sea and eastward to the Šar Mountains.12
The Illyrians were organized into tribes, each with its own council and leader. Some powerful chieftains united multiple tribes, forming kingdoms. The last significant Illyrian kingdom was centered at Scodra (modern Shkodër, Albania). After conflicts with Rome, the Illyrian kingdom was eventually conquered, and the Roman province of Illyricum was established. This province extended from the Drilon River in the south to Istria in the north and the Sava River in the east, with its administrative center at Salonae.1
Under Roman rule, Illyricum experienced prosperity, with Roman roads facilitating trade and its ports serving as vital links between Rome and Eastern Europe. The region was rich in resources like copper, asphalt, and silver, and its products were exported to Italy. The hardy warriors from Illyria were frequently recruited into the Roman legions and even the Praetorian Guard. Several prominent Roman emperors, including Claudius II Gothicus, Aurelian, Diocletian, and Constantine the Great, were of Illyrian origin.1
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IllyriaThe Roman province of Illyricum stretched from the Drilon River (the Drin, in modern Albania) in the south to Istria (modern Slovenia and Croatia) in the north and to the Savus (Sava) River in the east; its administrative centre was Salonae (near present-day Split) in Dalmatia. With the extension…
Read MoreThe Roman province of Illyricum stretched from the Drilon River (the Drin, in modern Albania) in the south to Istria (modern Slovenia and Croatia) in the north and to the Savus (Sava) River in the east; its administrative centre was Salonae (near present-day Split) in Dalmatia. With the extension…
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AlbaniaThe Roman Empire…now became the province of Illyricum—for about six centuries. Under Roman rule Illyrian society underwent great change, especially in its outward, material aspect. Art and culture flourished, particularly in Apollonia, whose school of philosophy became celebrated in antiquity. To a great extent, though, the Illyrians resisted assimilation into Roman culture.…
Read More…now became the province of Illyricum—for about six centuries. Under Roman rule Illyrian society underwent great change, especially in its outward, material aspect. Art and culture flourished, particularly in Apollonia, whose school of philosophy became celebrated in antiquity. To a great extent, though, the Illyrians resisted assimilation into Roman culture.…
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