Ballaios

Ballaios was an Illyrian king of the late 2nd century BC, known from his coinage, which is well-attested; in fact, the coins of the well-known Illyrian king Gentius are scarce in comparison to the coins of Ballaios.

Ballaios appears to have ruled after 168 BC at Queen Teuta's old stronghold, Rhizon (now Risan). His silver issues are rare, but bronze coins [Wilkes, J. J. The Illyrians, 1992, , ISBN 0631198075,page 179,"... ), 2nd century ti(:; diameter 17 mm d) Bronze coin o f King Ballaios; diameter 16 mm e)"] (without the royal title) occur on Hvar, both in single finds and in hoards, and at Rhizon in a different series bearing the royal title.

The coins of Ballaios were widely imitated in the region, sometimes so crudely that they are unintelligible.

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