Salgaris

Salgaris is a lesser-known but historically significant region located in the southern part of the modern-day country of Albania. The name "Salgaris" is derived from the ancient Greek term *Salgaris*, which may have been a local or tribal designation. The area was part of the broader Illyrian cultural and political landscape during antiquity, inhabited by Illyrian tribes such as the Taulantii and the Enchelei.

During the Roman period, Salgaris fell under Roman control, becoming part of the province of Epirus Nova. The region was later influenced by Byzantine rule, though it remained relatively peripheral compared to more strategically important areas. The Byzantine presence in Salgaris was marked by the construction of early Christian churches and monasteries, some of which still bear witness to its medieval heritage.

In the Middle Ages, Salgaris was part of the Despotate of Epirus, a Byzantine successor state that briefly rivaled the Latin Empire and later the Nicaean Empire. The region was also contested by the Serbian Empire and later the Ottoman Turks, who gradually expanded their control over the Balkans. By the 15th century, Salgaris, like much of Albania, was fully incorporated into the Ottoman Empire, where it remained under Ottoman administration until the early 20th century.

Today, Salgaris is primarily associated with the modern-day municipalities of Sarandë and Vlorë in Albania. The area is known for its coastal landscapes, historical sites, and cultural ties to both Illyrian and Byzantine heritage. Archaeological excavations in the region have uncovered remnants of ancient settlements, fortifications, and religious structures, contributing to the understanding of its historical development. While not as widely studied as other Albanian regions, Salgaris retains historical importance as a crossroads of Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences.