The Illyrian victory at Paxos secured a garrison on Corcyra and contributed to Rome's decision to intervene against Queen Teuta.
Key Facts
- Date
- Spring 229 BC
- Illyrian ships captured/sunk
- 4 triremes captured, 1 quinquereme sunk
- Illyrian commander
- Commander of Queen Teuta (unnamed)
- Outcome
- Illyrian victory; garrison established on Corcyra
- Primary source
- Polybius
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Illyrian queen Teuta had laid siege to Corcyra, prompting the Achaean and Aetolian Leagues to send allied naval forces to relieve the island. The Illyrian federation, allied with Acarnanian forces, intercepted this relief fleet near the island of Paxos in the spring of 229 BC.
The Illyrian fleet employed a deceptive maritime stratagem described by Polybius. The Illyrians feigned retreat, then turned on their pursuers, capturing four Greek triremes and sinking a quinquereme. The remaining Greek ships managed to escape, leaving the Illyrians in control of the engagement.
Following their naval victory, Illyrian forces established a garrison on Corcyra under one of Queen Teuta's commanders. This extension of Illyrian power into the Adriatic alarmed Rome and its Italian allies, eventually prompting Roman military intervention against Teuta in the First Illyrian War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Unnamed commander of Queen Teuta.
Side B
1 belligerent