Autariatae

Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography

AUTARIA´TAE(Αὐταριάται), described by Strabo (7. p. 317) as, at one time, the most numerous and bravest of the Illyrians, appear to have bordered to the eastward upon the Agrianes and Bessi, to the south upon the Maedi and Dardani, and in the other directions upon the Ardiaei and Scordisci. (Leake.) We have only a few particulars respecting their history. Strabo relates (l. c.) that they were frequently engaged in hostilities with the Ardiaei respecting some salt-works situated on the confines of both nations; that they once subdued the Triballi; but were in their turn subjugated, first by the Scordisci, and subsequently by the Romans. We also learn from Diodorus (Diod. 20.19) that the Auriatae were likewise conquered by Audoleon, king of Paeonia, who transported 20,000 of them to Mount Orbelus. (Comp. Strab. 7. p. 315; Arrian, Arr. Anab. 1.5; Aelian, Ael. NA 17.41; Justin (Justin. 15.2; Appian, Illyr. 3; Leake, Northern Greece, vol. iii. pp. 463, 464.)