Grabos I

Grabos I (c. 4th century BCE) was an Illyrian king who ruled over a part of Illyria, possibly in the area around Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. He is primarily known from historical sources relating to his interactions with Philip II of Macedon.

During Philip II's expansionist policies in the region, Grabos I initially allied with other Illyrian rulers against Macedon. This alliance aimed to check Macedonian power and preserve the independence of the Illyrian kingdoms. However, the success of these alliances was limited due to internal rivalries and shifting allegiances among the Illyrian leaders.

Grabos I is documented as having been bribed by the Athenians, along with other Illyrian leaders such as Lyppeius, in an attempt to persuade them to attack Macedon while Philip II was engaged in military campaigns elsewhere. This Athenian effort was part of a broader strategy to destabilize Macedonian control and alleviate pressure on their own city-state.

Despite these attempts to create a united front against Macedon, Philip II's military and diplomatic skills eventually led to the subjugation of many Illyrian tribes, including those under Grabos I's authority. The extent of Grabos I's defeat and the specific terms of his submission to Macedon are not fully detailed in surviving historical accounts.

The rule of Grabos I represents a period of significant upheaval and external pressure for the Illyrian kingdoms, as they faced the growing power of Macedon under Philip II. His actions reflect the complex political landscape of the time, characterized by shifting alliances and the struggle to maintain independence against a powerful expanding empire.