Rome absorbs the territory and immediately does the thing that makes it matter for the next two thousand years: it builds a road.
The Via Egnatia runs from Durrës and Apollonia on the Adriatic across the Balkans to Byzantium, roughly 1,120 km. It is the land bridge between the Roman west and the Greek east, and every army, merchant and pilgrim between them uses it.
Apollonia becomes a celebrated school of philosophy. The young Octavian is studying there in 44 BCE when word arrives that Caesar has been assassinated; he leaves for Rome and becomes Augustus.
Several Roman emperors came out of the Illyrian provinces, the region supplied the empire with soldiers, and eventually with rulers.
Key points
| Via Egnatia | Durrës → Thessaloniki → Byzantium, c. 1,120 km |
| Apollonia | Philosophy school; Octavian's classroom in 44 BCE |
| Durrës | Roman amphitheatre, largest in the Balkans |
| Emperors | Several Roman emperors came from the Illyrian provinces |
Research by ARBËR, the Living Museum of Albania. Published facts are verified or presented as open debate.