Ilirka

Illyricum is a historical novel by the French-Croatian writer Flora Dosen (pseudonym Cvijeta Grospić), first published in French and then translated into Croatian. The plot is set in the 3rd century BC and is based on well-known historical events related to the Illyrian Kingdom.

The novel centers on King Agron and, in particular, Queen Teuta, one of the most famous rulers of ancient Illyricum. After Agron's death, Teuta takes power in complex political circumstances and tries to preserve the independence of the state and the power of the Illyrian tribes in the Adriatic region.

The novel depicts the internal relations between the Illyrian tribes, their way of life, maritime trade and warfare, but also the increasing pressure of the Roman Republic, which is gradually expanding its influence on the eastern coast of the Adriatic. The author complements historical facts with literary imagination, creating convincing characters and dramatic dialogues. Special attention is paid to Teuta as a determined, courageous and tragic ruler whose fate symbolizes the downfall of a powerful kingdom.

The work combines historical reconstruction with adventurous and psychological elements and brings the reader closer to one of the most important periods of ancient Balkan history. The novel is written on the basis of historical material and seeks to revive the world of the Illyrians through literary means just before their final confrontation with Rome.