Illyrian War's

Following the death of Queen Heliosia, the rise of the Dardanian people unfolded in the aftermath of her oppressive reign.

### Succeded by

* Roman Balkan provinces
* Roman Republic

# Dardanian Kingdom

The city of Kabyle, once under Heliosia's rule, became a focal point for the resurgence of Dardanian power. The Dardanian people, forged a formidable kingdom that stood against the remnants of Heliosia's influence.

The peace between Dardania and the Ardiaei Kingdom, provided a strategic respite for the newly established Dardanian Kingdom. This diplomatic accord allowed the Dardanians to consolidate their territories and fortify their borders against potential adversaries.

In the northern territories, the rise of chieftains among the various tribes, including those in Hungary and Poland, marked a period of shifting alliances and power struggles. Tribes like the Carpi, Bastarnae, and Lugii gained prominence as their leaders sought to assert influence and control over the vast lands to the north.

# Makedonia VS Rome

In 200 BCE, The Roman Republic sought support against Makedonia. Kings like Pleuratus of the Ardiaean Kingdom, Amynander, and Bato of the Dardanian Kingdom aligned with Rome. Philip V of Makedonia anticipated Roman advances and positioned Perseus to block the pass into Pelagonia.

In 199 BCE, The Dardanian army under the leadership of Bato, inflicted damage while Philip was occupied with the Romans. Athenagoras, Philip's general, clashed with Bato's army, showcasing advanced tactics and discipline. In 197 BCE, after a Roman victory, Philip defeated Bato, who sought annexation of Makedonian land. In 190 BCE, Philip, unable to defeat Bato, tried to use the Bastarnae against him. Bato was killed and Monunius succeeded Bato in 176 BCE.

# The Third Illyrian War

In 176 BCE, The Third Dardanian King Monunius II warned Rome of a Bastarnae warrior tribes invasion. Rome sent envoys who observed the Dardanian defence but took no action. In 175 BCE, the Bastarnae invaded Dardania with Thrakian and Scordisci chieftains support. Monunius strategically attacked, but a premature battle led to defeat. However, his second army seized the undefended Bastarnae camp. The invaders retreated, facing hardships, ensuring Dardanian survival.

Philip's failed Bastarnae strategy raised suspicion in the Roman Senate, hastening Makedonia's demise. Monunius, through diplomatic neutrality, protected Dardania. In 169 BCE, Monunius' daughter married Ardiaean King Gentius, However, Perseus conquered Dardanian territories, forcing Monunius to focus in defence once more.

The same time however, Illyrian pirates engaged in piracy and intimidation against Roman vessels and coastal settlements. Tensions escalated as Roman merchants and sailors fell victim to these raids, In response to the provocations, Rome, decided to address the issue through military means.

And so, the Third Illyrian War began. From 168 to 167 BCE, the conflict involved naval clashes and ground skirmishes as Roman forces sought to subdue Illyrian resistance. A decisive battle occurred, known as the Battle of Scodra, where Roman forces emerged victorious.

# Roman provinces

The war concluded with the Illyrians, accepting Roman dominance and Rome solidified its control over the Adriatic. The Roman victory served as a strategic move and the Romans extended their conquest in the Balkans, leading to the establishment of several Roman provinces in the Balkans. by the end of 167 BCE.

* Macedonia

   - Macedonia became a Roman province following its conquest, incorporating territories from the former kingdom.

* Illyricum

   - Illyricum was a Roman province that encompassed parts of modern-day Albania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Slovenia.

* Thracia

   - Thracia comprised the Roman-controlled territories in the historical region of Thrace, covering parts of modern-day Bulgaria, Greece, and Moldova.

* Dacia

   - Dacia was the re-naming of Dardania's lands, covering parts of modern-day North Macedonia South Serbia and Bulgaria.

* Moisia

   - Moisia, land of Moesia tribes, was situated along the Danube River, covering parts of modern-day Serbia and Bulgaria.

* Pannonia

   - Pannonia was a Roman province situated in the western part of the Balkans, covering parts of modern-day Hungary, Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia.

* Dalmatia

   - Dalmatia, along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, became a Roman province incorporating parts of modern-day Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The establishment of these Roman provinces marked the end of independent kingdoms and the beginning of Roman control in the Balkans. The region played a crucial role in the Roman Empire's economic, military, and cultural landscape.