ILLYRIA (region in Illyrian coast)
Classical region in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula
- Kind of place
- Region
- Region
- Illyrian coast
- Where
- 40.80° N, 19.80° E
The region contains rugged mountains such as Tomarus and Polyanus. Strabo 7.7.9 The entire coastline of the region features many excellent harbours. Strabo 7.5.10 Illyria forms the right side of the Adriatic Sea. Strabo 2.5.20
Described in the sources
Illyria is situated on the right bank of the Danube River, with its people located to the south of the river and its mountains forming a line parallel to the Danube, which the region approaches closely. Strabo 2.5.30 +2 The region extends as far as Greece. Strabo 7.1.1 Dyrrachium is a city located in Illyria. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 3.16 ¶1 The Angrus river flows northward out of Illyria. Herodotus 4.49.2 The Eneti people lived in the region of Illyria. Herodotus 1.196.1 Illyria was a neighbor to the Greeks and Macedonians. Strabo 6.4.2 part 2 The region terminates to the north at the Ister river. Strabo 7.5.10 Kelts residing in this area were conquered by the Getae. Strabo 7.3.11 Many islands are situated opposite the coasts of Illyria. Strabo 2.5.20 The plague that struck the region originated from Illyria. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 7.37 ¶1
Gods and worship
Illyrian maidens were gathered annually in villages for a marriage custom. Herodotus 1.196.1
Stories and history
The people of Illyria began a war with the Romans. Strabo 6.4.2 part 2 Cadmus and his exiled wife reached this location together. Ovid Met. 4.563-603 Illyria revolted against the authority of the emperor Augustus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 7.46 ¶1 The region was formerly neglected due to ignorance of its fertility. Strabo 7.5.10 Antenor entered the unassailed haven of Illyria after escaping the Achaeans. Aeneid 1.223 Most of the area is now uninhabited, with settlements reduced to villages or ruins. Strabo 7.7.9 The war between Illyria and Rome continued until all peoples near the Danube were subjugated. Strabo 6.4.2 part 2 People avoided the area because of the savage manners and piratical habits of its inhabitants. Strabo 7.5.10 Some geographers incorrectly state the Illyrian coast is longer than the opposite Italian coast. Strabo 6.3.10 Geographers disagree on the length of the Illyrian sea-coast, with some claiming it exceeds 6000 stadia. Strabo 6.3.10