Glaucias of Taulanti

Glaukias († 302 BC) was an Illyrian king of the tribe of Taulantians. He reigned from 317 to 302 335 BC Glaukias is first historically tangible, as in the fight against Alexander, he supported the Illyrian Cleitus the Great Prince of Macedon. They were defeated by the Macedonians and had to retreat to the territory of the Taulantians.

317 to Glaukias could soar to become king of the Taulantians. He sought then to an alliance with the Molossian kingdom Epirus. Therefore Glaukias granted the Molossian prince Pyrrhus I. asylum and adopted him to build these pretenders to the throne against the promakedonische party in Epirus. Pyrrhus was later actually king of Epirus.

Cassander, King of Macedonia requested the extradition of Pyrrhus and offered Glaukias money for doing so. This, however, refused. 314 Taulantians were attacked under Glaukias by Cassander and defeated. Cassander claimed Dyrrachium and Apollonia on the Adriatic coast of Macedonia and forced Glaukias at an unfavorable peace treaty with Macedonia and his Greek allies. Pyrrhus, the adopted son of Glaukias, but remained at his court.

The hostilities with the Greek cities Epidamnos and Apollonia went on and 312 BC Glaukias could submit at least Epidamnos using the Corfiots.

After the death of the king of Epirus Alcetes II Glaukias 307 marched with an army into Epirus and sat twelve year old Pyrrhus I. on the throne of the Molosser.