Our name, Illyrian Roots, comes from the Illyrians: the ancient peoples who lived along the eastern Adriatic coast and across the western Balkans more than 2,000 years ago.
Tribes and kingdoms
“Illyrians” was the name Greek and Roman writers gave to many related tribes living in what is now Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, parts of Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia and North Macedonia. Some formed powerful kingdoms, with fortified hill towns, skilled metalwork and a reputation as fierce warriors and sailors.
Queen Teuta and Rome
The best-known Illyrian ruler is Queen Teuta, who led the Ardiaei kingdom in the 3rd century BC. Illyrian ships controlled much of the Adriatic, which brought them into conflict with the growing power of Rome. After a series of wars, the region became the Roman province of Illyricum. Illyria went on to give Rome soldiers and even emperors: several, including Diocletian, came from the Illyrian lands.
The Illyrians and the Albanians
Many Albanians see the Illyrians as their ancestors. Historians, linguists and, more recently, geneticists continue to study how closely the Albanian people and language connect to them, and the details are still debated. What is certain is that the Illyrians are part of the deep history of the lands Albanians call home, and a source of pride for many.
Wearing your Illyrian roots
That pride is what our brand is built on. The Illyrian Roots Eagle T-shirt, the Illyrian Roots stencil tee and the embroidered Illyrian Split Eagle T-shirt put the name front and centre. Browse all our Albanian and Illyrian T-shirts.
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