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History

The history of Montenegro, like that of much of the rest of the Balkans, is long, complex, and remarkably rich. Unfortunately it is generally understood in the West only through the window of recent local conflict. The section below provides a summary of key periods and events. For further information and a more detailed account of the region’s fascinating history, see Appendix E.

Fortifications above Kotor (Route 4)

There is evidence of human habitation on the Balkan peninsula from as early as 65,000BC, and plenty has been uncovered from the Neolithic period (7000–3000BC). From around 800BC many areas of the eastern Adriatic were inhabited by the Illyrians, tribes of Indo-European origin. During the early sixth century BC the Greeks began establishing settlements and trading posts on the Adriatic coast, and during the fourth century BC the Celts expanded southwards into the region. During the third century BC the Ardiaei, an Illyrian tribe on the southern Adriatic coast, emerged as a major power in the region, first under King Agron and then Queen Teuta. The Ardiaei, and subsequently other Illyrian tribes further north, were attacked and defeated by Rome, leading to the establishment of Roman Illyricum, later divided into Pannonia and Dalmatia. Roman Illyricum was destroyed by the Huns during the fourth century AD.