See also: Dardan

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 Dardani were Thracians commingled 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').

Strabo, in his Geography (book 7, chapter 5, paragraph 7), wrote: "The Dardani are entirely a savage people, so much so that they dig caves beneath dungheaps, in which they dwell; yet they are fond of music, and are much occupied in playing upon pipes and on stringed instruments."

Some Roman writers proposed a connection between these Dardani of the Balkans and the Dardans (Trojans) of the Troad, the popular version of the story being that a group of Dardan colonists had settled in the Balkans and had degenerated in their new Balkan home to a state of barbarism, becoming the Dardani. This idea has not been verified by historians.