Illyria

: This article is about the ancient region in the south of Europe. For other uses of this word, see Illyria (disambiguation).

Religion in Iron-age Illyria

In ancient Illyria, the deities were worshipped in certain regions or attributed to certain tribes only.

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Anzotica is the goddess of Love, worshipped by the Liburni tribe.

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Bindus, the god of springs and seas, was worshipped by the Japodes. He is certainly not to be mistaken with Bendis.

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The Delmatae tribe worshipped a triad of Vidasus, the protector of boundaries, his companion Thana, the goddess of maidens, and Armatus, the god of war.

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The Illyrian town of Rhizon (Risan, Montenegro) even had its own protector and they called him Medauras. Medauras was depicted as carrying a lance and riding on horseback.

Related Topics:
Risan - Montenegro

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Human sacrifice also played a role in the lives of the Illyrians.

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The ancient historian Arrian records the Illyrian chieftain Kleitus sacrificing three boys, three girls and three rams just before his battle with Alexander the Great.

Related Topics:
Arrian - Alexander the Great

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The most common type of burial among the Iron-Age Illyrians was tumulus or mound burial. The kin of the first tumuli would be buried around that and the higher the status of those in these burials the higher the mound.

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Archaeology has brought forth numerous artifacts placed within these tumuli such as weapons, ornaments, garments, and clay vessels. Items needed for the journey into the Illyrian afterlife.

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