Written by Etnor Canaj. Translated from Albanian by Elton Varfi

According to official Albanian historiography, and indeed to world historiography, Apollonia, an Illyrian city, was founded by the Corinthians in the 6th century BC. I can partially agree with the influence of Hellenic culture, that is, the importance of their cultural contribution. But is the theory that they even gave the city its name, Apollonia, true? Or was the name they used different?

The Byzantine geographer Stephanus of Byzantium (Στέφανος Βυζάντιος, 6th century AD), in his work entitled “Ethnica” or “De urbibus” (Cities and Peoples), clearly writes on page 94 that the Corinthian colonists did not call this city Apollonia (Απολλωνία), but rather a name derived from that of their leader Gylaks, namely “GYLAKION” or “GYLAKIA.”

Apollonia of the Taulantii and Gylakia of the Corinthians

Stephen’s statement is based on the works of other ancient authors, such as Strabo. Therefore, the toponym Apollonia is much older than the Corinthian colonization, and we can therefore assume that the city was inhabited by a pre-Hellenic population. We must not forget that the Hellenic colonies were not large enough to assimilate the natives of the Taulantii tribe.

It is believed that the number of colonists was no more than 200 or 300. Therefore, they were unable to subdue a population like the Taulantii, whether in Dyrrhachium, Apollonia, Bylis, or on the Ionian or Adriatic coast, since this ethnic group was far superior in number. The Taulantii were one of the main Illyrian tribes.