PIRACY: ILLYRIAN BUCCANEERS Illyrian tribes like the Liburni and the Ardiaei engaged in piracy and with not much territory for agriculture their options were limited. Because of their positioning - along the eastern Adriatic littoral - and the fact that trading vessels traveled the eastern littoral for their calmer waters, islands and natural harbors, it is no surprise the Liburni and Ardiaei mastered the sea and that whatever crossed their path fell prey to them. These raids brought considerable booty and became a great part of the Illyrian economy. However, it was this practice that the Greeks and Romans could not stand of them. Although both practiced piracy in their early histories, for the Illyrians, piracy would be their downfall. Piratical raids on Italic trading vessels eventually brought warfare with the Romans and the subjugation of Illyria by this new rising power in Europe.

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