Illyricum was an ancient region located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula, roughly corresponding to modern-day Albania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and parts of Serbia. It was inhabited by various tribes known as the Illyrians, who had their own distinct cultures and languages. The region was significant for its strategic location along trade routes and its natural resources. During the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire, Illyricum became an important province. The Romans engaged in military campaigns to conquer the area, integrating it into their empire. This led to the spread of Roman culture and infrastructure, influencing the development of the region for centuries.