Triballi
Nation | Defunct
620 BCE to 300 CE
The Triballi are an ancient tribe whose dominion is around the plains of southern modern Serbia and west Bulgaria, at the Angrus and Brongus (the South and West Morava) and the Iskur River, roughly centered where Serbia and Bulgaria are joined.
A Thracian tribe, the Triballi receive influences from Celts, Scythians and Illyrians.
Related Events
Showing 4 events out of 4 total
A large band of Triballi crosses the Haemus (Balkan) Range in 376 BCE and advances as far as Abdera.
Backed by Maroneia, a city esteemed for its wine production, they are preparing to besiege Abdera when Chabrias appears off the coast with the Athenian fleet and compels them to retire.
Philip, returning from his expedition against the Scythians, is refused passage through the territory of the Thracian Triballi people, now occupying the Haemus (Balkan) Range, unless they receive a share of his booty.
Philip forces a passage but is wounded in the hostilities.
Alexander advances into Thrace in spring 335 and, after forcing the Shipka Pass, drives the Triballi to the junction of the Lyginus with the Danube.
Their king Syrmus takes refuge in Peuce (Peukë, an island in the Danube), where Alexander is unable to follow him, and instead crosses the Danube to disperse the Getae.
The punishment inflicted by Alexander upon the Getae, however, induces the Triballi to sue for peace.
Alexander returns to Macedonia by way of Delphi, where the Pythian priestess acclaims him “invincible”.