Balkans Hellenistic period

painting of groom , bride hellenistic thracian tomb of kazanlak, near ancient city of seuthopolis, 4th century bc.

the west balkan coast inhabited various illyrian tribes , kingdoms such kingdom of dalmatae , of ardiaei, engaged in piracy under queen teuta (reigned 231 bc 227 bc). further inland illyrian paeonian kingdom , tribe of agrianes. illyrians on coast of adriatic under effects , influence of hellenisation , tribes adopted greek, becoming bilingual due proximity greek colonies in illyria. illyrians imported weapons , armor ancient greeks (such illyrian type helmet, greek type) , adopted ornamentation of ancient macedon on shields , war belts (a single 1 has been found, dated 3rd century bc @ modern selce e poshtme, part of macedon @ time under philip v of macedon).

the odrysian kingdom union of thracian tribes under kings of powerful odrysian tribe centered around region of thrace. various parts of thrace under macedonian rule under philip ii of macedon, alexander great, lysimachus, ptolemy ii, , philip v ruled own kings. thracians , agrianes used alexander peltasts , light cavalry, forming 1 fifth of army. diadochi used thracian mercenaries in armies , used colonists. odrysians used greek language of administration , of nobility. nobility adopted greek fashions in dress, ornament , military equipment, spreading other tribes. thracian kings among first hellenized.

after 278 bc odrysians had strong competitor in celtic kingdom of tylis ruled kings comontorius , cavarus, in 212 bc conquered enemies , destroyed capital.