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Revision as of 19:53, 22 August 2005 by Getoar (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Illyrians (Albanian: 'Ilir'), one of the oldest people of Balkans, ancestors of Albanians, as well supposed to be successors of Pelasgians, the oldest ever people known to have lived in Balkans. The name 'ILLYR' (found in Albanian literature as Ilir) is supposed to refer to Albanian word (adjective) 'I lirë' meaning 'free'. (Whether the Albanian language descends from an Illyrian language is disputed among scholars Whether the Albanian language descends from an Illyrian language is disputed among scholars (see Origin of Albanians). '(see Origin of Albanians)'. One the other hand Illyrians are an indo-european people, who developed their own culture, language and anthropological attributes in their land, the western part of Balkans peninsula as mentioned by the ancient writers. They are authentic. Illyrians lived in the whole Western Balkans, from Danube’s branches Sava and Drava in the north, to Arta Gulf in the south and Vardar in the east. Some Illyrians crossed the Adriatic Sea and settled in Southern Italy (Mesappi, Japyges, Lucanes, Picentines, Peucetii etc.) Ethnic atrributes of Illyrians begin to establish in the middle of the second millenium BC (medium bronze period).
Illyrian tribes
The biggest Illyrian tribes were: The Taulanti, Encheleae, Ardiei, Dardani, Paeones, Dalmates, Albani, Penestae, Molossi, Chaones, Thesproti etc. See List of Illyrian tribes.