(which afterwards came to be called Epidaurus, Dyrrhachium), a city of Illyricum, on the shore of the Ionian Sea. It was founded by a joint colony of Corcyreans and Corinthians towards the close of the seventh century B.C., and from its admirable position, and the fertility of the surrounding country, it soon rose into very considerable importance. The original form of government was an oligarchy, the dissolution of which by the increasing power of the democrats was one of the causes that embroiled the original founders of the city, and contributed to bring about the Peloponnesian war. In the course of this struggle Epidamnus soon sank into a secondary position, and ultimately disappeared altogether in the contest till, in 312 B.C., it was seized by Glauca king of the Illyrians. About the close of the war it was attacked by pirates, who were twice driven back—on the second occasion by the timely arrival of assistance from Rome. As the name Epidamus sounded to Roman ears like an evil omen, the inhabitants, in compliment to their deliverers, changed its name into Dyrrhachium, from the rugged nature of the adjoining sea-coast. In the later history of the Roman republic Dyrrhachium became famous as the place where Pompey made the last successful resistance to the rising fortunes of Caesar, who was at length compelled to retire from his position and transfer the theatre of war to another seat. At the end of the struggle between Antony and Augustus, Dyrrhachium fell into the hands of the latter, and was by him made over to a colony of his veteran troops. Under the Lower Empire it became the capital of Epirus Nova, and in 1081 was stormed by the Norman Guiscard, who in that year defeated the Greeks under their emperor Alexius. On the site of the ancient town stands the modern Durazzo.