Post by Emperor AAdmin on Jan 14, 2008 17:09:43 GMT -5
THE Translation: On elements of political organization of illyrian communities
link
(Important Note by the Translator(Zetaman): Under the signs (ex. 'xxx') are untranslated parts that refer to either the Serbian/Bosnian/Croatian version of names of ancient authors or today's geographical locations written in Serbian/Bosnian/Croatian language. Regarding the names of the ancients and taking into consideration tendencies of Serbian language to alter foreign names and the pattern in which it does it I will propose also next to certain name the way it might have originally sounded (ex. 'Likej' = 'Likeas'?). Also ('in addition') is also added by me in an guided attempt to make the text easier to understand)
____________
'Prilozi', 30, Sarajevo, 2001., pages. 25-41
Enver Imamovic
On elements of political organization of illyrian communities
Development of political organization of Illyrians represents an important and complex question. Still, in scientific literature it was never taken with enough interest, which represents a significant hard task when regarding full history of Illyrians. Reason for that is increase in the lack of source materials that relate to this problem. Greek writers did not show some large scale interest in their northern neighbors (Illyrians), nor for their societal organization. Existing material, primarily, relates on periodic news that do not give scholars much.
Aside from literature news important facts on this question is also given by epigraphy with nusmatics, and to some extent also archaeological artifacts. Such data is still relatively modest so regarding political organization of illyrian communities we can have some basic idea.
Existing source material shows that the first political organization of illyrian communities appeared in the south of their region, roughly in an area of today's Republic of Macedonia, Montenegrin coastline and Albania. In their forming its crucial the geographic closeness of the Greek world. From Greece there were cultural and political influences which represented solid basis for societal transformation, rather building on top of it, that was above the degree of tribal organization, in which lived most of Balkan tribes in the middle of I millennium B.C.
Political establishments of higher degree in other regions of the Illyrian world from this time-frame are not recorded. As a result it can be rightfully stated that the oldest political organization of illyrian communities in Balkan environment occurred under the Greek influence, and that among those communities that were bordering Greeks.
In the source material there is a mention about several communities whose socio-political developmental progression lead to creation of state. Among those there was a kingdoms of Encheleans (Encheleae), Taulantians, Peonians, Dardanians and Ardideans(Ardiaei). The time frame for their beginning and existence is connected to I millennium B.C. In their political organization there are clearly visible elements that characterize them as progressive communities with complex state apparatus and developed economical base. As a result of this they were far ahead of other illyrian communities that lived further away from the Greek world, that is in the depth of illyrian land.
_________________________
Encheleans (Encheleae), Taulantians, Peonians, Dardanians and
Ardideans(Ardiaei) -- Southern Hellenistic Illyrians)
-------
Encheleans
Literature sources lead us to say that Encheleans were among the first among Illyrians whose political development lead to creation of their state. They are mentioned in Greek myths, and then by Greek historians. 'Hekatej'('Xekateas'?) from 'Mileta' (=Miletus?) was among the first of logo-graphs who wrote of them. Describing Adriatic coast he noted that Encheleans were neighbors of 'Deksars'(?), 'Haon' (=Chaoni?) nation. Some of the writers designate them as Illyrians, and others as separate people. There is no consensus neither in regarding the question about the territories they resided in. Once they are mentioned as inhabitants of Adriatic coast, another time they are mentioned as inhabitants of illyrian mountains, or as neighbors of Peonians (south Illyria), or even as neighbors of Greek Thebans, in whose earlier history the played an important part.1
According to 'Pseudo Skylak' (IV century B.C.)('Pseudo-Skylakas'?) Encheleans would be inhabitants of the part of the coast that is situated between 'Boka Kotorska'('in addition:N Montenegrin Coast') and Durres. 2 Another source from the same time frame tells us that Macedonian king Philip II fought wars with Encheleans around 'Ohrid' ('in addition:in vicinity of borders between today's Albania, R.M. and Greece') lake. It is expected to think that in the second time-frame there was a moving change of their borders, and this is probably the reason why sources are not in consensus in determining of their border region.
Regarding the socio-political establishment of Encheleans we finds some info from Greek myths. In one them it is stated how Phoenician Kadmos came among Encheleans and as directed by an oracle's vision helped them in their fight with neighboring tribes (Illyrians), after what those chose him as their king. 3 From this we can conclude that among them there was an institution of a kingdom, without any doubt on the same level that existed among Greeks of that time.
There is indications that Encheleans in earlier times represented relatively strong community, and as such it represented a thread for southern Greek neighbors, especially Thebans and Delphi. The pinnacle of their power was reached during VIII and VII centuries B.C., after what their importance diminishes, and from VI century B.C. they almost fully disappear from sources. Their state still survived all up to beginning of III century B.C. when it stops existing in events related to coming of Celts in Balkans.
Although there is a lack of more detailed data about the character of the state organization among Encheleans, it can be suggested that in many forms it corresponds to the type of Greek kingdoms of the Homeric era. The wars they fought with Greeks suggests a strong political and military government, on whose leader positions there were authoritarian rulers. Precondition for this was a strong economic base. It is expected to assume that it was pretty strong since it is known that many Greeks for pay served enchelean kings. This had long reaching cultural and political ramifications. With this in focus we should connect the appearance of urbanization among Encheleans, in which they were first among Illyrians.
------
Peonians
Another illyrian community that in its political development reached a higher degree of political organization, were the Peonians. They inhabited the region of today's southern (In addition: Rep.)Macedonia (upper 'Vardar', Stobi and 'Crna Rijeka'), but its borders were changing through a longer period of time. On the east towards the Thracians the border went with the river 'Mesta' from its mouth to its source 'Arda', and from there towards 'Krdjolsko' lake and further towards north. According to sources from some writers (Strabon, VI, 331, 11; 'Plinije'(=Plinius?), IV, 35; 'Livije'(=Livius?), XL, 33, 14), it can be concluded that in its earlier era that their area covered much wider area, including here the parts of northern Greece, on the expense of some of the local communities there. They resided in also Halkidiki.
That the Peonians were belonging to a community of older and more important Balkan peoples that were politically and culturally were much more advanced from other Balkan communities , it can be witnessed by the fact that they are mentioned by Homer as participants of the Trojan war, were they were fighting on the side of Trojans ( ILL. XVII , 350). During Philip II , Peonians recognized Macedonian rule ('Diod.' XVI , 4). After his death they incited rebellion and Alexander had to stop it.
Peonians being direct neighbor of the Greeks maintained close trade religions and as a result fell early under their cultural influence. Thanks to that they were among the first Illyrian communities to have stepped towards civilizational events. Close relations with Greece is confirmed by data that states that certain Peonian rulers were granted honored citizenship rights ('proksenija'='proxenia'?) by some Greek states. That was given in order to thank them for certain services (assistance in wheat, monetarily, military aid and similar). Such relations were especially strong with Athens, which in its own foreign politics and relations with Macedonia was frequently relying on connections with Illyrian and Thracian kings.
Original sources tell us of names of three peonian kings. At the year of 357. B.C. the throne was occupied by 'Agis'. His heir was 'Likpej' (='Likipeas'?) , and at the year of 306. B.C. on the throne was king 'Audoleont' (='Autoleantos'). His son was 'Ariston' , while 'Dropion' was contemporary of Macedonian king 'Demetrije'(='Demetrius'?) II. 4
High economical and cultural development of Peonia is showed through minting of monetary coins. It is known that the Peonian rulers were minting coins as far back as during the era of Greek - Persian wars. This is a witness that the economy of Peonia was based on trade-monetary relations, with all the accompanying institutions. Minting of monetary coins occurred in continuity across long period of time. At the year of 306. B.C. king ' Audoleont' (= 'Autoleontos' ?) minted coins that stated the title 'basileus' (='vasileus'?) , in a likewise manner that Hellenistic monarchs did. The title of 'Basileus' points that the Peonia represented state organization, for if we were talking about tribal organization with tribal leader as a ruler such title ('Basileus') would not be present.
That there was a high level of political organization in Peonia also points advanced urbanisation of the country. Peonian towns were mentioned also by Herodotus ('Doberos' and 'Bymazos' ), and from younger era there were 'Stuberra', 'Astraion', 'Argos', 'Bryanion', 'Bylazora', 'Stobi', 'Idomene' and others. Since for the development of urbanisation precondition is to have strong economic base, in this case there were all the required conjectures. The country had at its disposal large surplus of products, primarily in wheat and metals, which in the trade with Greeks represented strategic goods. Bringing (or coming) of means had increased the wealth of the country, which, and had conditioned peonian society into early class differentiation. This during the course of development has resulted in establishing strong political organization, that in the finishing stage has growned to state organization. 5
Heirs of king 'Audoleont' ruled over Peonia up until middle of II century B.C. From the political standpoint, from those heirs important one was 'Dropion' , contemporary of Macedonian king 'Demetrije' II and 'Dozon' (='Doson'?). During his rule Peonia in the sources is called 'koinon ton Paionon' (state-political community of Peonians). 6 Greeks with the legal expression 'koinon' had marked statehood , characteristic for their own (Greek) communities. Peonian 'koinon' varied from Greek one to a degree that it included villagers, while with Greeks it was based on 'simpoliteja' (='simpoliteria'?) , among whom societal base was a polis, and among Poenians it was a village.
-------
Taulantians
State of the Taulantians for some time also existed as the state of Encheleans. Carriers of statehood was the tribe of 'Taulanti' , which was placed in vicinity of Greek colony of 'Epidamnos'. During the era of their full power their state extended in the regions of central and north Albania.
This state is mentioned for the first time in VII century B.C. , when its ruler 'Gaularos' was fighting against Macedonian king 'Argeios'. Two hundred years later Taulanti played important role in the conflict of the inhabitants of Greek colony of 'Epodamnos' , that were introduction into a long term Peloponnesian war that brought into conflict entire Greek world. Taulanti , namely , imparted harbor for oligarchs from 'Epidamnos' that were in a conflict with democrats, and by doing so they become involved in the events that were of the first grade important for Greek history. During the course of these events Taulanti, as for being in alliance with 'Korkira' (='Kerkyra') , received (or created) extensive political power , and after this more and more often they are in conflict with Greek colonists, and after that with also Macedonia. The zenith of their power was reached at the beginning of 4. century B.C.
When Alexander was on Danube, to the rebelling Illyrian king 'Klit' (='Klitus'?) assistance was given by Taulantian king 'Glaukije' (='Glaukus'?). On his return Alexander waged war against both kings, but the taulantians managed to win retain their independence. After Alexander's death from the same side there was no more of a threat, and during the era of 'diadoh(s)' (='diadoxi'?) Taulantian kingdom witnessed its best days. King Glaukus was assisting Epirotic king Phyrrus to come back on (Epirotic) throne. He even managed to stop Macedonians from establishing military bases on the Adriatic. In the conflict with 'Kasandro' during the year of 314. B.C. he witnessed defeat, but as soon as the other one pulled back, Glaukus attacked Appolonia. He managed, however, to hold on to 'Epidamnos' ('Diador' (='Diodorus'?) XIX , 67, 5-7; 70, 7, and 78, 1). Glaukus is last time mentioned during the year of 302. B.C. Advances of Celts and increase of Macedonian power have erased Taulantians from the political scene, after what they are falling into oblivion.
-------
Dardanians
Highly developed political organization with elements of statehood was created by also Dardanians. Center of their state was placed in regions of to days Kosovo. In certain time-frames their power extended up to Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea. Dardania in the sources is mentioned first time in 344. year B.C., when Macedonian king Philip II attacked that country. 7 At the start of III century B.C. it represented a strong kingdom and regional power. 'Justin' informs us that in 280. year B.C. dardanian king (Dardanus rex), was offering to Macedonian king 'Ptolemy Ceraun' ('Ptolomeas Keraun'?) help in battles against Celts that have attacked Macedonia. Convinced in his power he refused this help. Celts have defeated him and killed him in a battlefield. 8
This data form 'Justin' is important since it is the first time dardanian king is mentioned, although it does not mention his name. 'Polion' gives a bit more info, and states that Dardanians were united under one king (Polion, IV, 12, 3). From 'Livije' ('Livius'?), we find out that in the middle of III century B.C. Dardania was lead by the king called 'Baton', who was son of 'Longar' ('Longaron'/'Longaros'?) (Liv. XXXI, 28, 2). This data is important since it shows us that Dardania was inherently ruled by a royal dynasty, which suggests longstanding tradition. Sources show us three kings, of whom we can name two: 'Baton' and 'Longar'. Dardania as a kingdom surely existed also during the rule of king Philip II, since Dardanians are appearing in sources always separate from Illyrians.
Gathering of Dardanians in a strong state community started, without doubt, much earlier then it is mentioned in the sources. 9 This conclusion is forced by the fact that there was a high degree of military organization and actions that were performed towards their neighbors, and preconditions for such would be strong and well organized government.
Dardania was traditional enemy of Macedonia. Its military frequently attacked its northern regions. One such attack was registered at 359. year B.C., when they were stopped by Philip II. Danger from dardanians increased even more when they were free from Celtic military pressure at 280. year B.C. It was in their benefit that Macedonia was drained from the wars with Celts.
First macedonian city that was attacked by Dardanians was 'Bilazora', that was protecting the pass through river 'Vardar' and contact with Macedonia from the North. Dardanians took it at the end and held it almost hundred years. Phillip V took it back in 217. year B.C. Although in this occasion he managed to enter deep in dardanian territory, this didn't significantly endanger the power of dardanian kings. 10
Wars between Dardania and Macedonia didn't stop even later on. During a year of 200. B.C. dardanian king Baton together with illyrian tribal leaders named 'Pleurat' ('Pleuratos'?) and 'Aminandro' (Aminandros'?) arrived in 'Dirahij' (today's Durres?) to meet roman council 'Sulpicius Galbi?' and suggested to him to attack together Macedonia. 11 This is the first documented contact between Dardanians and Romans. From this point for many years to come they are allies in wars against Macedonia. Politics of Rome was such, however, that its aim was to take all of Balkans, so wars between these allies also had to occur. When Rome during a year 168. B.C. finally conquered Macedonia, relations with Dardania changed. Hopes of dardanians that Rome will give them some of the conquered territories, did not materialize. Soon after wars occurred that lasted for many years. Dardania definitely fell under roman control during a year of 28. B.C., after what it was declared into a roman province. 12
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cont
link
(Important Note by the Translator(Zetaman): Under the signs (ex. 'xxx') are untranslated parts that refer to either the Serbian/Bosnian/Croatian version of names of ancient authors or today's geographical locations written in Serbian/Bosnian/Croatian language. Regarding the names of the ancients and taking into consideration tendencies of Serbian language to alter foreign names and the pattern in which it does it I will propose also next to certain name the way it might have originally sounded (ex. 'Likej' = 'Likeas'?). Also ('in addition') is also added by me in an guided attempt to make the text easier to understand)
____________
'Prilozi', 30, Sarajevo, 2001., pages. 25-41
Enver Imamovic
On elements of political organization of illyrian communities
Development of political organization of Illyrians represents an important and complex question. Still, in scientific literature it was never taken with enough interest, which represents a significant hard task when regarding full history of Illyrians. Reason for that is increase in the lack of source materials that relate to this problem. Greek writers did not show some large scale interest in their northern neighbors (Illyrians), nor for their societal organization. Existing material, primarily, relates on periodic news that do not give scholars much.
Aside from literature news important facts on this question is also given by epigraphy with nusmatics, and to some extent also archaeological artifacts. Such data is still relatively modest so regarding political organization of illyrian communities we can have some basic idea.
Existing source material shows that the first political organization of illyrian communities appeared in the south of their region, roughly in an area of today's Republic of Macedonia, Montenegrin coastline and Albania. In their forming its crucial the geographic closeness of the Greek world. From Greece there were cultural and political influences which represented solid basis for societal transformation, rather building on top of it, that was above the degree of tribal organization, in which lived most of Balkan tribes in the middle of I millennium B.C.
Political establishments of higher degree in other regions of the Illyrian world from this time-frame are not recorded. As a result it can be rightfully stated that the oldest political organization of illyrian communities in Balkan environment occurred under the Greek influence, and that among those communities that were bordering Greeks.
In the source material there is a mention about several communities whose socio-political developmental progression lead to creation of state. Among those there was a kingdoms of Encheleans (Encheleae), Taulantians, Peonians, Dardanians and Ardideans(Ardiaei). The time frame for their beginning and existence is connected to I millennium B.C. In their political organization there are clearly visible elements that characterize them as progressive communities with complex state apparatus and developed economical base. As a result of this they were far ahead of other illyrian communities that lived further away from the Greek world, that is in the depth of illyrian land.
_________________________
Encheleans (Encheleae), Taulantians, Peonians, Dardanians and
Ardideans(Ardiaei) -- Southern Hellenistic Illyrians)
-------
Encheleans
Literature sources lead us to say that Encheleans were among the first among Illyrians whose political development lead to creation of their state. They are mentioned in Greek myths, and then by Greek historians. 'Hekatej'('Xekateas'?) from 'Mileta' (=Miletus?) was among the first of logo-graphs who wrote of them. Describing Adriatic coast he noted that Encheleans were neighbors of 'Deksars'(?), 'Haon' (=Chaoni?) nation. Some of the writers designate them as Illyrians, and others as separate people. There is no consensus neither in regarding the question about the territories they resided in. Once they are mentioned as inhabitants of Adriatic coast, another time they are mentioned as inhabitants of illyrian mountains, or as neighbors of Peonians (south Illyria), or even as neighbors of Greek Thebans, in whose earlier history the played an important part.1
According to 'Pseudo Skylak' (IV century B.C.)('Pseudo-Skylakas'?) Encheleans would be inhabitants of the part of the coast that is situated between 'Boka Kotorska'('in addition:N Montenegrin Coast') and Durres. 2 Another source from the same time frame tells us that Macedonian king Philip II fought wars with Encheleans around 'Ohrid' ('in addition:in vicinity of borders between today's Albania, R.M. and Greece') lake. It is expected to think that in the second time-frame there was a moving change of their borders, and this is probably the reason why sources are not in consensus in determining of their border region.
Regarding the socio-political establishment of Encheleans we finds some info from Greek myths. In one them it is stated how Phoenician Kadmos came among Encheleans and as directed by an oracle's vision helped them in their fight with neighboring tribes (Illyrians), after what those chose him as their king. 3 From this we can conclude that among them there was an institution of a kingdom, without any doubt on the same level that existed among Greeks of that time.
There is indications that Encheleans in earlier times represented relatively strong community, and as such it represented a thread for southern Greek neighbors, especially Thebans and Delphi. The pinnacle of their power was reached during VIII and VII centuries B.C., after what their importance diminishes, and from VI century B.C. they almost fully disappear from sources. Their state still survived all up to beginning of III century B.C. when it stops existing in events related to coming of Celts in Balkans.
Although there is a lack of more detailed data about the character of the state organization among Encheleans, it can be suggested that in many forms it corresponds to the type of Greek kingdoms of the Homeric era. The wars they fought with Greeks suggests a strong political and military government, on whose leader positions there were authoritarian rulers. Precondition for this was a strong economic base. It is expected to assume that it was pretty strong since it is known that many Greeks for pay served enchelean kings. This had long reaching cultural and political ramifications. With this in focus we should connect the appearance of urbanization among Encheleans, in which they were first among Illyrians.
------
Peonians
Another illyrian community that in its political development reached a higher degree of political organization, were the Peonians. They inhabited the region of today's southern (In addition: Rep.)Macedonia (upper 'Vardar', Stobi and 'Crna Rijeka'), but its borders were changing through a longer period of time. On the east towards the Thracians the border went with the river 'Mesta' from its mouth to its source 'Arda', and from there towards 'Krdjolsko' lake and further towards north. According to sources from some writers (Strabon, VI, 331, 11; 'Plinije'(=Plinius?), IV, 35; 'Livije'(=Livius?), XL, 33, 14), it can be concluded that in its earlier era that their area covered much wider area, including here the parts of northern Greece, on the expense of some of the local communities there. They resided in also Halkidiki.
That the Peonians were belonging to a community of older and more important Balkan peoples that were politically and culturally were much more advanced from other Balkan communities , it can be witnessed by the fact that they are mentioned by Homer as participants of the Trojan war, were they were fighting on the side of Trojans ( ILL. XVII , 350). During Philip II , Peonians recognized Macedonian rule ('Diod.' XVI , 4). After his death they incited rebellion and Alexander had to stop it.
Peonians being direct neighbor of the Greeks maintained close trade religions and as a result fell early under their cultural influence. Thanks to that they were among the first Illyrian communities to have stepped towards civilizational events. Close relations with Greece is confirmed by data that states that certain Peonian rulers were granted honored citizenship rights ('proksenija'='proxenia'?) by some Greek states. That was given in order to thank them for certain services (assistance in wheat, monetarily, military aid and similar). Such relations were especially strong with Athens, which in its own foreign politics and relations with Macedonia was frequently relying on connections with Illyrian and Thracian kings.
Original sources tell us of names of three peonian kings. At the year of 357. B.C. the throne was occupied by 'Agis'. His heir was 'Likpej' (='Likipeas'?) , and at the year of 306. B.C. on the throne was king 'Audoleont' (='Autoleantos'). His son was 'Ariston' , while 'Dropion' was contemporary of Macedonian king 'Demetrije'(='Demetrius'?) II. 4
High economical and cultural development of Peonia is showed through minting of monetary coins. It is known that the Peonian rulers were minting coins as far back as during the era of Greek - Persian wars. This is a witness that the economy of Peonia was based on trade-monetary relations, with all the accompanying institutions. Minting of monetary coins occurred in continuity across long period of time. At the year of 306. B.C. king ' Audoleont' (= 'Autoleontos' ?) minted coins that stated the title 'basileus' (='vasileus'?) , in a likewise manner that Hellenistic monarchs did. The title of 'Basileus' points that the Peonia represented state organization, for if we were talking about tribal organization with tribal leader as a ruler such title ('Basileus') would not be present.
That there was a high level of political organization in Peonia also points advanced urbanisation of the country. Peonian towns were mentioned also by Herodotus ('Doberos' and 'Bymazos' ), and from younger era there were 'Stuberra', 'Astraion', 'Argos', 'Bryanion', 'Bylazora', 'Stobi', 'Idomene' and others. Since for the development of urbanisation precondition is to have strong economic base, in this case there were all the required conjectures. The country had at its disposal large surplus of products, primarily in wheat and metals, which in the trade with Greeks represented strategic goods. Bringing (or coming) of means had increased the wealth of the country, which, and had conditioned peonian society into early class differentiation. This during the course of development has resulted in establishing strong political organization, that in the finishing stage has growned to state organization. 5
Heirs of king 'Audoleont' ruled over Peonia up until middle of II century B.C. From the political standpoint, from those heirs important one was 'Dropion' , contemporary of Macedonian king 'Demetrije' II and 'Dozon' (='Doson'?). During his rule Peonia in the sources is called 'koinon ton Paionon' (state-political community of Peonians). 6 Greeks with the legal expression 'koinon' had marked statehood , characteristic for their own (Greek) communities. Peonian 'koinon' varied from Greek one to a degree that it included villagers, while with Greeks it was based on 'simpoliteja' (='simpoliteria'?) , among whom societal base was a polis, and among Poenians it was a village.
-------
Taulantians
State of the Taulantians for some time also existed as the state of Encheleans. Carriers of statehood was the tribe of 'Taulanti' , which was placed in vicinity of Greek colony of 'Epidamnos'. During the era of their full power their state extended in the regions of central and north Albania.
This state is mentioned for the first time in VII century B.C. , when its ruler 'Gaularos' was fighting against Macedonian king 'Argeios'. Two hundred years later Taulanti played important role in the conflict of the inhabitants of Greek colony of 'Epodamnos' , that were introduction into a long term Peloponnesian war that brought into conflict entire Greek world. Taulanti , namely , imparted harbor for oligarchs from 'Epidamnos' that were in a conflict with democrats, and by doing so they become involved in the events that were of the first grade important for Greek history. During the course of these events Taulanti, as for being in alliance with 'Korkira' (='Kerkyra') , received (or created) extensive political power , and after this more and more often they are in conflict with Greek colonists, and after that with also Macedonia. The zenith of their power was reached at the beginning of 4. century B.C.
When Alexander was on Danube, to the rebelling Illyrian king 'Klit' (='Klitus'?) assistance was given by Taulantian king 'Glaukije' (='Glaukus'?). On his return Alexander waged war against both kings, but the taulantians managed to win retain their independence. After Alexander's death from the same side there was no more of a threat, and during the era of 'diadoh(s)' (='diadoxi'?) Taulantian kingdom witnessed its best days. King Glaukus was assisting Epirotic king Phyrrus to come back on (Epirotic) throne. He even managed to stop Macedonians from establishing military bases on the Adriatic. In the conflict with 'Kasandro' during the year of 314. B.C. he witnessed defeat, but as soon as the other one pulled back, Glaukus attacked Appolonia. He managed, however, to hold on to 'Epidamnos' ('Diador' (='Diodorus'?) XIX , 67, 5-7; 70, 7, and 78, 1). Glaukus is last time mentioned during the year of 302. B.C. Advances of Celts and increase of Macedonian power have erased Taulantians from the political scene, after what they are falling into oblivion.
-------
Dardanians
Highly developed political organization with elements of statehood was created by also Dardanians. Center of their state was placed in regions of to days Kosovo. In certain time-frames their power extended up to Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea. Dardania in the sources is mentioned first time in 344. year B.C., when Macedonian king Philip II attacked that country. 7 At the start of III century B.C. it represented a strong kingdom and regional power. 'Justin' informs us that in 280. year B.C. dardanian king (Dardanus rex), was offering to Macedonian king 'Ptolemy Ceraun' ('Ptolomeas Keraun'?) help in battles against Celts that have attacked Macedonia. Convinced in his power he refused this help. Celts have defeated him and killed him in a battlefield. 8
This data form 'Justin' is important since it is the first time dardanian king is mentioned, although it does not mention his name. 'Polion' gives a bit more info, and states that Dardanians were united under one king (Polion, IV, 12, 3). From 'Livije' ('Livius'?), we find out that in the middle of III century B.C. Dardania was lead by the king called 'Baton', who was son of 'Longar' ('Longaron'/'Longaros'?) (Liv. XXXI, 28, 2). This data is important since it shows us that Dardania was inherently ruled by a royal dynasty, which suggests longstanding tradition. Sources show us three kings, of whom we can name two: 'Baton' and 'Longar'. Dardania as a kingdom surely existed also during the rule of king Philip II, since Dardanians are appearing in sources always separate from Illyrians.
Gathering of Dardanians in a strong state community started, without doubt, much earlier then it is mentioned in the sources. 9 This conclusion is forced by the fact that there was a high degree of military organization and actions that were performed towards their neighbors, and preconditions for such would be strong and well organized government.
Dardania was traditional enemy of Macedonia. Its military frequently attacked its northern regions. One such attack was registered at 359. year B.C., when they were stopped by Philip II. Danger from dardanians increased even more when they were free from Celtic military pressure at 280. year B.C. It was in their benefit that Macedonia was drained from the wars with Celts.
First macedonian city that was attacked by Dardanians was 'Bilazora', that was protecting the pass through river 'Vardar' and contact with Macedonia from the North. Dardanians took it at the end and held it almost hundred years. Phillip V took it back in 217. year B.C. Although in this occasion he managed to enter deep in dardanian territory, this didn't significantly endanger the power of dardanian kings. 10
Wars between Dardania and Macedonia didn't stop even later on. During a year of 200. B.C. dardanian king Baton together with illyrian tribal leaders named 'Pleurat' ('Pleuratos'?) and 'Aminandro' (Aminandros'?) arrived in 'Dirahij' (today's Durres?) to meet roman council 'Sulpicius Galbi?' and suggested to him to attack together Macedonia. 11 This is the first documented contact between Dardanians and Romans. From this point for many years to come they are allies in wars against Macedonia. Politics of Rome was such, however, that its aim was to take all of Balkans, so wars between these allies also had to occur. When Rome during a year 168. B.C. finally conquered Macedonia, relations with Dardania changed. Hopes of dardanians that Rome will give them some of the conquered territories, did not materialize. Soon after wars occurred that lasted for many years. Dardania definitely fell under roman control during a year of 28. B.C., after what it was declared into a roman province. 12
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