Teuta
c. 231 – 227 BC
Teuta, known in Albanian as Mbretëresha Teuta, was the wife of King Agron and regent of the Ardiaei, the strongest Illyrian power of her day. She governed on behalf of Agron's young son Pinnes. Ancient writers record her public acts, but almost nothing of her private life or fate.
- Active years
- c. 231–227 BCRegency
- Title
- Queen-regentArdiaei, for Pinnes
- Spouse
- King Agron
- Affiliation
- Ardiaean kingdomIllyrian
- Abdicated
- 227 BCAccording to Cassius Dio
- Known as
- Mbretëresha TeutaQueen Teuta
Why She Matters
Rome's turn eastward
She ruled at the moment Rome first crossed the Adriatic, and ancient writers placed her at the center of that turning point.
A documented Illyrian
She is a rare Illyrian whose decisions were written down, though only by Greek and Roman authors, so the record carries their bias.
Albanian cultural memory
Her name was revived during the Rilindja, and she remains a household name in Albania, Kosovo and the diaspora as a woman who held supreme authority.
Key Moments
- c. 231 BC
Becomes regent
After King Agron died, Teuta governed the Ardiaean kingdom on behalf of his young son Pinnes.
- 229 BC
Roman envoys killed
Roman envoys protested piracy at her court, and one was killed on the journey home.
- 229–228 BC
First Illyrian War
Rome sent a fleet and army across the Adriatic, and Demetrius of Pharos surrendered Corcyra to the Romans.
- 228 BC
Peace with Rome
After withdrawing to Rhizon, she accepted harsh terms including tribute, lost territory and limits on sailing beyond Lissus.
- 227 BC
Abdication
Cassius Dio records that she abdicated, after which the sources fall silent about her.
Stories featuring Teuta
All stories
Associated People
View all- AgronHusband, king
- PinnesStepson, heir
- Demetrius of PharosNoble, betrayer
- PolybiusAncient historian
- Gaius and Lucius CoruncaniusRoman envoys
Associated Places
- ScodraCity
- Rhizon (Risan)Fortified town
- CorcyraIsland
- Lissus (Lezhë)City
- Adriatic SeaSea
Sources
Methodology- Polybius, account of the Illyrian warsBook · Ancient historian named in the sources
- Appian, account of Teuta's embassy to RomeBook · Ancient historian named in the sources
- Cassius Dio, account of Teuta's abdicationBook · Ancient historian named in the sources