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GentiusThe last king of Illyria from the Ardiaean people |
Content:
- Gentius: The Last King of Illyria
- Conflict with Rome
- Conquest and Captivity
- Aftermath
- Other Notable Events
- His fleet engaged in piracy in the Adriatic Sea, irritating Rome.
Gentius: The Last King of Illyria
Early Life and ReignGentius was born to King Pleuratus III of the Ardiaei, an Illyrian tribe in the western Balkans. As Pleuratus was a close ally of Rome, Gentius inherited a kingdom with expanded borders, achieved without any military efforts. However, unlike his predecessors, Gentius did not maintain good relations with the Romans.
Conflict with Rome
In 169 BCE, Gentius allied with Perseus, king of Macedonia, against Rome, despite having received immunity from the Romans. His support for Macedonia prompted the Third Macedonian War. In a brief conflict, Roman forces led by Lucius Anicius Gallus defeated Gentius at Shkodra.
Conquest and Captivity
Gentius was captured and taken to Rome in 168 BCE as a prisoner of war. He was paraded in the triumph of Gallus and then sent into exile in Spoletum. Due to local resistance, he and his family were later transferred to Iguvium, where they remained until their deaths.
Aftermath
After Gentius' defeat, the Romans divided Illyria into three administrative regions, known as merises. Illyria became a province of the Roman Republic. Cities that had supported Rome were spared destruction, while those that had opposed it were ravaged.
Other Notable Events
Gentius married Etuta, daughter of King Monunius of Dardania, in 169 BCE.
Gentius' kingdom included the city of Lissus (Lezhë), acquired after the First Illyrian War.
