But the history of the Albanian people does not end here. Following the collapse of Macedonia and the Hellenic kingdoms themselves, the area was occupied by the new emergin force, the Romans. The Romans themselves, whose legend has it were founded by the two brothers, are thought to be descendents of the Etruscans. The Romans occupied the entire Balkan Peninsula and beyound. Their new subjects, the Illyrians and Epiriots, distinguished themselves as excellent soldiers. For this reason, the Roman Preatorian Gurads, the Imperial Gurads, were primarely made up of Illyrian soldiers. As such, they had great influence on the Roman Empire, often many of the Emperors would be members of the Gurad. Many Roman emperors were of Illyrian birth or origin. These include such names as Decius (249-251, born in northern Illyricum), Marcus Aurelius Claudius (268-270, born in Dardania), Marcus Aurelius Probus (276-282, born in Illyricum), Valerius Diocletian (284-305, born in modern day Shkodra), Maximianus (286-305, born in Illyricum), Constantius Chlorus (305-306, born in Dardania), Galerius (305-311, born in Illyricum). Among other Illyrian rulers of the Roman Empire, were the famed Constantine the Great who converted Rome to Christianity. Constantine was born in 272 at Naissus in Eastern Illyricum. His nephew, Julian the Apostale as also of Illyrian origin and ruled the Roman Empire from 361-363 and attempted to persecute the Christians once more and bring back the Pelasgian Gods.
Posted on: Mon, 14 Apr 2014 11:10:04 +0000