Queen Teuta (ruled 230–228 BCE) is a Celto-Illyrian queen of the Ardiaean Kingdom who rules as regent to the young Pinnes.
The name Teuta has been linked with the Gaulish *touta-, meaning ‘people’, and the Irish-Gaelic tuath (‘the tribe’)- literally the people’s queen".
Teuta inherits a strong Illyrian state from her husband, Agron.
Under her rule, Illyrian power continues to grow until Roman intervention.
Teuta, probably under pressure from Illyrian revolts, attacked neighboring Epirus, where she captures several cities, including the prosperous capital Phoenice.
The Epirotes signal their acceptance of Illyrian victory by sending envoys to Teuta promising cooperation with her in opposition to the Greek cities.
Teuta continues her campaigns against the Greek colonies along the Illyrian coast.
This leads to the rupturing of trade routes to the Roman Republic.
The Romans soon feel threatened by the growing power of Teuta, thus starting the First Illyrian War.
The Roman attack catches Teuta off guard.
She manages to seize land from the Greeks along the Ionian Sea, but these are easily taken by the Romans who eventually crush the Ardiaean State.
Teuta is forced to surrender and accept a treaty in which the defeated Ardiaean Kingdom loses its southern lands.
