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The Dardani were an ancient Indo-European tribe that lived in Dardania and was likely of mixed Illyrian-Thracian descent, as indicated by both archaeological evidence and classical references. They are sometimes referred to as a Celtic tribe as well, though archaeology does not indicate this.

The distribution of ancient names found inscribed in Dardania are one of the main evidences that support the idea that the Dardans were Thracians coomingled with Illyrians. Thracian names are found mostly in eastern Dardania, from Scupi to Naissus and Remesiana, although some Illyrian names occur. Illyrian names are dominant in the western areas, where Thracian names are not found.

The element Dardan appears to be found in the toponymy of both the Illyrians (Dardi, Dardani) and the Thracians (Dardanos, Darda-para) and it has been suggested to be related to the modern Albanian word dardha (meaning 'a pear'). Alternately, Julius Pokorny suggested that Dardan derives from the Indo-European root *der, 'to flay, to tear'.

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