Bardyllis

Bardyllis ( /bɑrˈdɪlɨs/; Ancient Greek Βάρδυλλις or Βάρδυλις; c. 448 – 358 ) was a king of the Dardanian Kingdom and probably its founder.

Bardyllis created one of the most powerful Illyrian states, that of the Dardanians. His state reigned over Macedonia, Epirus and the lakeland (Lynkcetia). Bardyllis lived over 90 years according to ancient sources, implying that he died around 358 BC. Although his name appears in sources from much later, in the events of 359 BC, it seems that he headed the Dardanian State long before the Illyrians. According to these sources, Bardyllis lived a long time and was at an advanced age when he faced Philip II of Macedon.

His background was in coal mining. He took land from the kingdom of Macedon, killing their king Perdiccas III. In 385 BC, the Illyrians attacked the Molossians. Dionysius of Syracuse aided the Illyrian attack in order to place Alcetas, a refugee in his court, on the throne. Dionysius planned to control all the Ionian Sea. Sparta intervened on behalf of the Molossians despite having been aided by 2000 Greek hoplites and five hundred suits of Greek armour. The Illyrians were defeated by the Spartans led by Agesilaus but not before ravaging the region and killing 15,000 Molossians.

Grabos became the most powerful Illyrian king after the death of Bardyllis in 358 BC. Bardyllis had a son named Cleitus the Illyrian, a daughter named Bircenna, and a grandson named Bardyllis II.

Bardyllis was killed in battle against Phillip II of Macedon after Philip rejected his offer of peace based on retaining conquered lands.

Read more about Bardyllis:  Early Life, Macedonian Campaigns, Subjection of Epirus, Battle of Erigon Valley, Etymology