Illyrians

The Illyrians were an ancient group of tribes who inhabited the western Balkans, roughly corresponding to modern Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and parts of surrounding countries. They existed from around 2000 BCE until the Roman conquest in the 1st century CE. Known for their warrior culture, they interacted with neighboring civilizations like the Greeks and Romans through trade, warfare, and cultural exchange. Although their language and many details about their society remain partially unknown, the Illyrians contributed to the region's historical and cultural development, influencing later populations and forming part of the foundation of Balkan history.