RELIGION: WORSHIP & DEATH Totemism or animal symbolism appears to have played a major role within certain Illyrian tribes. The name of the Delmatae seems to be connected to the Albanian word for sheep which is "delme" and name of the Taulantii appears to be derived from "dallendyshe," or swallow, a small migratory bird. Place names like that of Ulcinj come from the Albanian word for wolf, which is "ujku." Illyrians deities were worshipped in certain regions or attributed only to certain tribes. Anzotica was the Liburni tribes goddess of love. Bindus, the god of springs and seas, was worshipped by the Japodes. Vidasus (protector of boundaries) and his companion Thana (goddess of maidens) were a familiar combination worshipped by the Delmatae as well as Armatus, the god of war. The Illyrian town of Rhizon (Risan, Montenegro) had its own protector and they called him Medaurus. Medaurus was depicted as carrying a lance and riding on horseback. Human sacrifice also played a role in the lives of the Illyrians. The ancient historian, Arrian, records the Illyrian chieftain, Kleitus, sacrificing three boys, three girls and three rams just before his battle with Alexander the Great. The most common type of burial among the Illyrians was tumulus or mound burial. The kin of the first tumuli would be buried around that and the higher the status of those in these burials the higher the mound. Archaeology has brought forth numerous artifacts placed within these tumuli such as weapons, ornaments, garments, and clay vessels. Items needed for the journey into the Illyrian afterlife.

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