Durrësit

Durrësit, also known as the Dyrrhachians, were an ancient Greek tribe that inhabited the region around the city of Dyrrhachium (modern-day Durrës, Albania) in antiquity. They were part of the broader group of Greek tribes that settled along the Illyrian coast during the classical period.

The Durrësit are believed to have been a colony of the Corinthian Greeks, who established Dyrrhachium around the 7th century BCE. The city quickly became an important commercial and strategic center due to its location on the Adriatic Sea. The Durrësit were known for their maritime activities and trade, which contributed to the prosperity of their city.

Dyrrhachium was strategically significant due to its position on the Via Egnatia, a major Roman road that connected the Adriatic Sea with Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul). This road facilitated trade and military movements, making Dyrrhachium a crucial point of control. The city's strategic importance led to it being contested by various powers, including the Romans, Illyrians, and Macedonians.

During the Roman Republic, Dyrrhachium was a key player in the conflicts between Rome and the Macedonian kingdom. The city was besieged by Roman forces under the command of Lucius Aemilius Paullus during the Third Macedonian War (171-168 BCE). Despite its resistance, Dyrrhachium eventually fell to the Romans, marking the beginning of Roman influence in the region.

Under Roman rule, Dyrrhachium continued to thrive as an important port and commercial hub. The city was further developed during the Roman Empire, with the construction of significant infrastructure, including the Via Egnatia and the city walls. Dyrrhachium's strategic and economic importance persisted throughout the Roman and Byzantine periods, making it a vital center in the Adriatic region.