Demetrius of Pharos - First Illyrian War

First Illyrian War

In 229 BC, continuing the expansion of Illyrian power that Agron had begun, Teuta systematically attacked Issa, the polis of Korkyra and Epidamnus. Lissus, Apollonia and Corcyra Nigra were all threatened as Teuta annexed Epirus in the south. After a naval battle of the island of Paxos, the island of Korkyra surrendered, and Demetrius was placed in charge by Teuta as one of her philio's.

When the Romans were on their way towards Corcyra in the first engagement of the First Illyrian War, Demetrius betrayed Teuta. Demetrius was slandered by Teuta and feared her, and gave up Corcyra to the Romans, and went over to the Roman side, acting as their guide for their campaign in Illyria. Rome was quickly victorious while Teuta fled to Rhizon in Dalmatia (modern Risan, Montenegro), and Demetrius was placed in charge of most of the rest of Ardiaean Kingdom, as a client of Rome. Demetrius was rewarded with the rule of his birthplace, the island of Pharos, and a part of the land next to it, but this was only temporary. The Romans annexed the southern conquests of Teuta and also one of the conditions imposed by Rome, following the war, expressly prohibited Illyrian warships south of Lissus.