Apollonia was founded near the Vjosa river in 588 BC from greek colonies of Corfu and Corinth. The area was also inhabited by the Taulantii tribe, the local Illyrian tribe that for centuries lived along with the Greek colonies. Apollonia was one of the 30 cities built in honor of Apollo goodness, the goodness of Sun, poetry, and music. Soon it became an important port full of life.