Article source and special thanks to: Micky Haxhiislami
Queen Teuta of Illyria 
remains one of the most prominent female figures of the ancient Mediterranean world. She ruled the Illyrian Kingdom from approximately 230 to 228 BC, succeeding her husband, King Agron, and assuming control during a period of significant political and territorial expansion.
Under her reign, the Illyrian state reached its greatest extent, stretching from the River Neretva in the north to the Gulf of Ambracia in the south. This means her dominion covered almost the entire eastern Adriatic coast — from present-day southern Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina down to northwestern Greece, specifically the region of Epir, near the city of Preveza. This vast territory positioned Illyria as a major maritime and commercial power. Teuta continued the Illyrian policy of naval dominance, extending her influence across the Adriatic Sea and asserting control over vital trade routes.
Her assertive foreign policy, particularly against Greek coastal cities and Roman merchants, eventually brought her into direct conflict with the Roman Republic, leading to the First Illyrian War (229–228 BC). Despite the military setback that followed, Teuta’s reign represents a defining moment in Illyrian history—one marked by political ambition, maritime strength, and the unprecedented authority of a woman ruler in a predominantly patriarchal era.
Queen Teuta’s legacy endures as a symbol of Illyrian statecraft, independence, and female leadership in the ancient world. 
