In Granius Licinianus´ description (35.79–81 Criniti) of the Roman war in the hinterland of Macedonia in 85 B.C., two independent Roman campaigns against the Balkan tribes are mentioned. The fragmentary text has given rise to emendations, thus admits different readings. It is proposed here an interpretation of the text that seems the most plausible, on both historical and linguistic grounds. Relying on this interpretation, it seems proper to reconsider some common observations regarding certain Balkan tribes and their part in the First Mithridatic war, as well as the timing of the Hortensius’ military campaign.
