Dalmatae

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The Dalmatae (or Delmatae) were an ancient people who inhabited the core of what would become known as Dalmatia after the Roman conquest. The Dalmatae are generally classed as an Illyrian tribe, although for most of their history they were independent of the Illyrian kingdom which bordered to the south of them. Archaeology and onomastic shows that the Delmatae were akin to neighboring Illyrians and northern Pannonii. They were formed as an alliance of culturally similar communities in c. IV-III century BC. The name Delmatae most certainly derives from the leading city of the alliance Delmium/Dalmion, later roman Delminium (near modern Tomislavgrad in Duvanjsko polje), destroyed in 155 BC.

Roman wars with the Delmatae

There were quite a few of Roman conflicts with the Delmatae. Main reason appear to be Delmataean aggressive policy towards the Issaean commonwealth, Greek-led Roman allies in central Adriatic. First in 156-155 BC finished with the destruction of Delmion by consul Scipio Nasica. Second Dalmatian war was fought in 119-118 BC, apparently with Roman vicory as consul L. Caecilius Metellus celebrated triumph 117 BC and assumed surname Delmaticus. Third Dalmatian war 78-76 BC finished with the capture of Salona (Solin near modern-day Split) by the pro-consul C. Cosconius. In Roman Civil war 49-44 BC, the Delmatae took side of Pompeians and continuously, more-less successfully fought with Caesarian generals Gabinius and Vatinius. Final conflict occured 34-33 BC during Octavian's expedition in Illyricum and finished with final pacification of the Delmatae.

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