Which of the following ancient peoples was NOT classified as Hellenic (Greek)?
The Illyrians were not classified as Hellenic (Greek) ancient peoples. The Illyrians were an Indo-European people who inhabited the western part of the Balkan Peninsula, in an area corresponding to present-day Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and parts of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the Greeks, known as Hellenes, had a significant influence on various cultures and regions through trade, colonization, and cultural diffusion, the Illyrians maintained their distinct identity. They had their own language and cultural traditions that were not of Greek origin. The Hellenic peoples, on the other hand, were those who identified with Greek culture and were part of the broader Greek-speaking world. This distinction reflects the diverse cultural landscape of the ancient Mediterranean and highlights the various ethnic groups that coexisted in the region.