Bardylis: Biography, Facts and Career

Bardylis or Bardyllis (; Ancient Greek: Βάρδυλις; c. 448–358 BC) was an Illyrian king, and the founder of the first attested Illyrian dynasty. During his reign, Bardylis aimed to make Illyria a regional power interfering with Macedon. He united many southern Illyrian tribes under his realm and defeated the Macedonians and Molossians several times, expanding his dominion over upper Macedonia, including Lynkestis, and ruling over Macedon through a puppet king. Before the rise of Macedon, Illyrians were the dominant power in the region. Bardylis also led raids against Epirus, but his soldiers were eventually expelled from the region. Most scholars hold that the Illyrian kingdom that was established by Bardylis was centered along Lake Ohrid and east to the Prespa Lakes, which was called Dassaretis later in Roman times, located on the border between Macedon and Epirus. Illyrians, in particular under Bardylis' leadership, held a remarkable role in the development of the Argead Macedonian military. Philip II and Alexander the Great spent at least some of their youth age at Illyrian courts, getting well familiar with Illyrian customs, habits and specially military strategies and techniques. According to ancient sources, Bardylis lived to over 90 years. According to these sources, Bardylis lived a long time and was at an advanced age when he faced Philip II of Macedon in 358 BC and at whose hands he died after Philip rejected his offer of peace based on Bardylis retaining conquered lands. Bardylis' son Cleitus revolted with the help of Taulantian king Glaukias against Alexander the Great in the siege of Pelium undertaken in 335 BC.

Quick facts about Bardylis

• Full name: Bardylis
• Born: -0447-01-0
• Known as: Royal
• Wikidata ID: Q808052

Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.