Longarus
| Longarus | |
|---|---|
| King Longarus | |
.svg) |
|
| Reign | c. 231 BC – c. 206 BC |
| Predecessor | Mytilus (probable) |
| Successor | Bato of Dardania |
Longarus (ruled c. 231 – 206 BC) was an Illyrian king of the Dardanian Kingdom. Longarus was at war with various Macedonian kings and managed to conquer at different times part of Macedonia. Longarus was an ally of the Paeonian State and liberated the Paeonians in order to open the routes towards Macedonia. Longarus' influence grew and many other Illyrians from the Ardiaean Kingdom joined thim.
From the Gallic invasions of Dardania, the Dardanians are not heard of for four decades; probably trying to extinguish the consequences the Celts had left behind. During that time, the Dardanian State grew stronger and extended its borders in the south and in the north. During the second half of the 3rd century BC, the Illyrian-Macedonian Wars continued because of the conquering politics of the Macedonian kings against the Dardanian, particularly against Paeonia. The Paeonians have continually rebelled against the Macedonians and entered into anti-Macedonian alliances for independence. An old alliance (rather than competitiveness) had existed between these two Illyrian states, because every time the Paeonians won their independence, the Dardanians had the road open for Macedonia. Even before Longarus, Dardanians had been a constant threat to the Macedonian kingdom, while in 231 BC under Longarus they captured the Paeonian capital, Bylazora, and freed the Paeonians and in an important battle in 229 BC, Longarus attacked and defeated the Macedonian forces under Demetrius II of Macedon, disapproving of his attempts to extend Macedon's northern borders. The Macedonians attacked Longarus with large forces. In that period, Longarus made attempts to strengthen his state's position in the heart of the Balkans against neighboring peoples. In 229 BC, Longarus, profiting from the fact that the Ardiaean Kingdom under Teuta was dealing with campaigns in Epirus, invaded its northern borders. Longarus' influence on the region grew stronger and some other Illyrian tribes from the Ardiaean Kingdom joined the Dardanians under Longarus, forcing Teuta to call off her expedition forces in Epirus.Scerdilaidas was sent north to force Longarus' army to return to Dardania.
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