Grabaei

 ( Illyrian Tribes ) 

The Grabaei (also Kambaioi; ) were a minor Illyrians tribe who lived near Lake Skadar. They were mentioned by Pliny the Elder (23–79 AD).

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History After Philip II of Macedon defeated Bardylis (358 BC), the Grabaei, under Grabos II, became the most powerful tribe in Illyria. 7,000 Illyrians were killed by Philip II's army in a great victory, annexing the territory up to Lake Ohrid. He then reduced the Grabaei, targeted another Illyrian king called Pleuratus (considered by some modern scholars an Ardiaei or chieftain), defeated the Triballi (339 BC), and fought with Pleurias, king of the Autariatae (337 BC).

After 9 AD, the remnants of Illyrian tribes moved to new coastal cities and larger and more capable civitates; the Grabaei (called Kambaioi) were among these, mentioned by Pliny the Elder.

Paul Kretschmer etymologically connected their name to Slavic grabǔ, "hornbeam", with a cognate in Epirote Greek language gábros (γάβρος, "oak-wood").

Their name has been connected to Umbrian language Krapuvi and Grabovie, gods of Iguvium. Gabraeum ( Gabraion), a place in Epirus, may be connected to the tribe. The name of Illyrian king Grabos II suggests a connection with the tribe.

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See also

• List of ancient Illyrian peoples and tribes

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Notes

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Bibliography

• N. G. L Hammond (1993). 9789025610500, Hakkert. . ISBN 9789025610500
• N. G. L. Hammond (1994). 9781139054331, Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9781139054331
• J. J. Wilkes (1969). 9780674189508, Harvard University Press. . ISBN 9780674189508
• J. J. Wilkes (1992). 9780631198079, Blackwell. ISBN 9780631198079

Categories: Illyrian Tribes, Illyrian Albania, Ancient Tribes In Albania

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