The Antigonids and the Illyrians in the Late Third Century

During the 220s and the early 210s, the Antigonid and the Illyrians cooperated politically and militarily more than once: they fought together against Kleomenes of Sparta during the reign of Antigonos Doson and against the Aitolians during the reign of Philip V. The Illyrians proved to be valuable allies for the latter Antigonid because they provided not only well-trained infantry but also offered naval support to the Macedonian campaigns. However, by 211, Philip V had conquered the lands that had belonged to the Ardiaei dynasty of Illyria and controlled the Balkan peninsula from east to west. The only cities that were not under his rule were the Greek cities of the coast: Orikos, Apollonia, and Epidamnos. The Illyrian tribes under the defeated king Skerdilaidas were confined in the north. This study investigates the circumstances that led the Antigonids to go from friends to enemies of the Illyrians. It shows that Philip’s relationship with the Illyrians was initially prompted by his philos, Taurion, who fostered cooperation between Macedonia and the forces of the Ardiaei. However, Demetrios of Pharos’ arrival at the Antigonid court changed the political scene completely. By analyzing Polybius and Justin’s account, the paper highlights the role Demetrios of Pharos played in Illyrian foreign relations with Macedonia and the dramatic impact of his relationship with Philip V on Hellenistic events. Demetrios’ advice to the king on rethinking his military tactics and objectives was conducive to the Macedonian successes in the Social War. However, the real agenda of Demetrios became clear with time: Demetrios hoped to restore his leadership position in the Illyrian basileia as a local ally of Macedonia at the expense of his rival Skerdilaidas, a friend of the Romans. Although Demetrios’ death compromised the project, it brought unwanted Roman attention to Macedonia.