{"id":1979,"date":"2021-07-02T16:37:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-02T13:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mazion.org\/?p=1979"},"modified":"2026-09-29T17:05:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T14:05:49","slug":"consideratii-asupra-razboiului-dacic-al","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mazion.org\/en\/2021\/07\/consideratii-asupra-razboiului-dacic-al.html","title":{"rendered":"Considerations on the Dacian war of Emperor Trajan."},"content":{"rendered":"

The premises of Emperor Trajan's Dacian War. <\/b><\/p>\n

The occupation of the Balkans by the Roman Empire began at the end of the 3rd century BC (the Illyrian Wars) and the advance of Rome towards Dacia. An empire maintains itself and prospers through successive conquests and the emperors of Rome understood, from time immemorial, this intrinsic necessity of the existence of an empire. There were rare moments when Rome was not in wars of conquest. Even a pacifist emperor (Marcus Aurelius) understood the necessity of continuous expansion. <\/p>\n

From this point of view, it was only a question of "when" not "if" that open war would be reached in the Roman Empire and Dacia. From 148-146 BC we see the incorporation of Greece into the Roman Empire. After a period of internal unrest, the next step towards the Dacian Wars is the creation of the province of Moesia (6 AD). The existence and organization of the provinces of Moesia Superior and Moesia Inferior brings the two powers face to face and war is imminent. Moreover, Rome's preparatory actions for the Dacian War are obvious: the construction of camps, the relocation of legions, the preparation of military transport infrastructures, the strengthening of the Danube fleets, the consolidation of the defense\/attack systems in the Dobrudja area and a massive fortification of the temporary border given by the Danube line. <\/p>\n

In parallel, there was a continuous aggression from Dacia and Getia on the borders of the Roman Empire, carried out by both the migrating tribes and the Dacians. The state of tension could not but lead to open war. <\/p>\n

A first trigger for the Dacian Wars was the Dacian attack in the winter of 85-86 on the province of Moesia, a successful campaign for the Dacians. The reaction of Emperor Domitian was not long in coming, as he reorganized the Moesian provinces and launched military preparations for a war to conquer all of Dacia. Fortunately, the campaigns led by Cornelius Fuscus (year 87) failed. However, Domitian achieved a victory the following year at Tapae and, due to the Marcomannic threats, concluded a peace advantageous (some considered it "humiliating") to the Dacians in year 89. <\/p>\n

Both the peace of 89 and the period that followed are characterized as a period of preparation for a final war. Neither the Roman Empire nor the Dacians can come to terms with the situation created and the imminence of a new war is clear. Both Rome and Dacia carry out massive fortification works during this period, <\/p>\n

Trajan's Dacian War. First and second expedition. <\/b><\/p>\n

In the year 98, after the death of Emperor Nerva, Trajan becomes Emperor of Rome. Loved by the legions, desired by the people, admired by the Senate, Trajan's military goal is the conquest of Dacia. It is the first thing he does and what he wants his reputation as emperor to be - Dacicus Maximus. To start a war of such magnitude, a reason is necessary, Trajan invoking Decebalus's failure to comply with the obligations of the peace treaty. And so, in the year 101, the Dacian War begins (bellum Dacicum Traiani). <\/p>\n

The forces prepared by Trajan are impressive: 14 main legions, alae, cohorts and auxiliaries. Trajan thus gathers an army of about 80,000-150,000 men, which stands face to face with the army if estimated to have about 50,000 men. The preparations of the Danube fleets in previous years bear fruit, Trajan thus also having the rapid capacity to transport and land troops on the northern bank of the Danube. <\/p>\n

The Roman lines of attack converge towards Sarmizegetusa but the first battle takes place at (the already known) Tapae where the victory is for Rome. In response, the Dacians, along with the Sarmatians, Germanic tribes and Roxolani, attack the Dobrudja line, trying to divert the attention of the Roman army from the Sarmizegetusa line of attack (similar to Scipio Africanus in the face of the siege of Rome by Hannibal). The increased transport capability of the Roman legions (both on land and on the Danube) means that these attacks are also repelled by the Romans, who register two new great victories: at Tropaeum Traiani and Nicolopis ad Istrum. <\/p>\n

The war is clearly against the Dacians and Decebalus asks for peace (102). The provisions of the treaty are hard for the Dacians but the state of the war makes them accept. Sometimes it is better to survive another day in order to have a new fight. The provisions of the treaty include: giving up one's own foreign policy, ceding territories, stabilizing the Roman garrisons in the Land of Ha\u021begului, destroying the defensive fortifications of Sarmizegetusa, keeping intact the marching camps (already built during the war), returning the war machines, prisoners and captured military insignia. In a serious military situation, Decebalus accepts and the Senate, informed by Trajan, sanctifies the humiliating peace for the Dacians. <\/p>\n

The peace, however, is provisional and fragile, and both sides know it. In the following period (103-105) preparations for the final war are made by both sides: the Romans build the bridge over the Danube to quickly move their troops, strengthen the garrisons, rebuild the legions and stock up on supplies. <\/p>\n

The Dacians try to rebuild their army, strengthen their fortresses, try to undermine Trajan's political position, assassinate him, etc., and try (unsuccessfully) to make a great Ani-Roman alliance. <\/p>\n

In 105 Trajan considered himself ready for the final stage of the war (Roman historians did not consider that there were two wars but a single war with two expeditions) and, citing the failure to comply with the terms of the treaty of 102, he restarted the offensive. With excellent military training, using the created outposts and the ability to move troops quickly. Trajan's second expedition is a long series of victories despite the massive and courageous opposition of the Dacian armies. The offensive quickly leads to the siege of the Sarmizegetusa fortress and, shortly after, to its conquest. Decebalus tries to escape the encirclement but, being surrounded, commits suicide so as not to be dishonored during the festivities to be organized. <\/p>\n

On August 11, 106, we have the attestation of the end of the Dacian War and the establishment of the Roman province of Dacia. This included Transylvania, Banat, western Oltenia and southern Moldavia, SE Transylvania and Wallachia are incorporated into Moesia Inferior. The free Dacian areas remain northern Moldavia, Maramure\u0219 and Cri\u0219ana. Iulius Sabinus is appointed governor and the capital will become Colonia Ulpia Traiana Augusta Dacica Sarmizegetusa. <\/p>\n

Considerations on the Dacian Wars. <\/b><\/p>\n

The Roman victories were clear and obvious. The geopolitical situation of the Roman Empire was badly used by the Dacians during the reign of Emperor Domitian when they would have had the chance to continue the attacks on the Roman provinces (Moesia and, why not Macedonia) in parallel with the Germanic attacks. The "compromise" peace signed by Domitian was a salvation for the Roman Empire and a geo-strategic mistake of the Dacians. <\/p>\n

The Roman Empire could not tolerate the presence on its northern border of a powerful state that showed signs of increased aggression. Trajan's Dacian War is not a one-time event but the end of an extremely long period of aggression, victories and defeats on both sides. Trajan inherited a conflict in an advanced state and, faced with another great threat, the Parthian Kingdom from which Decebalus asks for help and alliance before the second Roman expedition, he wants to put an end to the Dacian threat. <\/p>\n

The Dacian Wars are well-known through the writings of Roman historians (especially Cassius Dio), through the frescoes of Trajan's Column and those at Tropaeum Traiani, and through well-preserved epigraphic and archaeological sources.<\/p>\n

Burebista's Dacian empire had long since fragmented, but the Roman Empire was constantly under the threat of its restoration. Roman documents show Decebalus' efforts to restore his predecessor's empire, unfortunately unfinished. <\/p>\n

Moreover, the Dacian society of the future Roman province was "perverted" by Roman culture and civilization, especially through the young people who were sent for education in Rome. Roman culture and civilization seemed more pleasant, quieter and profitable compared to Dacian society. This led both to a disunity of the Dacian population and the northern Thracian peoples outside the Sarmizegetusa area (accusing the Dacians of abandoning old customs) but also to internal betrayals that segmented Dacian society. Wars of conquest often begin with culture, luxury, customs, promised prosperity and personal desires. And Rome had something to promise: Pax Romana and personal prosperity. <\/p>\n

The Roman Empire did not want to conquer Dacia. The Roman Empire was forced to conquer Dacia if it wanted to continue its existence. This is why the wars were so bloody and fierce, with both sides risking their very existence. <\/p>\n

What followed the war of conquest is known: Dacia becomes a province, prospers, the ethnogenesis of the Romanian people appears, the Dacians embrace the Roman language, customs and culture and preserve them even after Aurelian's retreat. We could say that Dacia preserved its Latinity after Rome had forgotten it. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The premises of the Dacian war of Emperor Trajan.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The occupation of the Balkans by the Roman Empire began at the end of the 3rd century BC (the Illyrian wars) and the advance of Rome towards Dacia. An empire is maintained and prosperous through successive conquests and the emperors of Rome understood, from time to time, this intrinsic need for the existence of an empire. Rare were the moments when Rome was not in wars of conquest. Even a pacifist emperor (Marcus Aurelius) had understood the obligation of continuous expansion.<\/p>\n

From this point of view, it was only a matter of "when" not an "if" to reach the open war in the Roman Empire and Dacia. From the years 148-146 BC we see the incorporation of Greece into the Roman Empire. After a period of internal unrest, the next step towards the Dacian wars was the creation of the province of Moesia (6 AD). The existence and organization of the provinces of Upper Moesia and Lower Moesia brings the two powers face to face and war is imminent. Moreover, Rome's actions in preparation for the Dacian war are obvious: building camps, relocating legions, preparing military transport infrastructure, strengthening Danube fleets, strengthening defense \/ attack systems in the Dobrogea area and a massive fortification of the temporary border given by the Danube line.<\/p>\n

In parallel, there is a continuous aggression from Dacia and Gethia on the borders of the Roman Empire, carried out by both the migratory tribes and the Dacians. The state of tension could only lead to an open war.<\/p>\n

A first trigger of the Dacian wars is the attack carried out by the Dacians in the winter of 85-86 on the province of Moesia, a successful campaign for the Dacians. The reaction of the emperor Domitian was not long in coming, he reorganized the Moesic provinces and started actions of military preparation for a war to conquer the whole of Dacia. Fortunately, the campaigns of Cornelius Fuscus (87) failed. However, Domitian gained a victory the following year at Tapae and, due to the Marcomanni threats, concluded an advantageous peace (some considered it "humiliating") to the Dacians in 89.<\/p>\n

Both the peace of 89 and the following period are characterized as a period of preparation for a final war. Neither the Roman Empire nor the Dacians can reconcile with the created situation and the imminence of a new war is clear. Both Rome and Dacia are carrying out massive fortification works during this period,<\/p>\n

Trajan's Dacian war. First and second expedition.<\/p>\n

In 98, after the death of Emperor Nerva, Trajan became emperor of Rome. Loved by the legions, wanted by the people, admired by the Senate, Trajan has as military purpose the conquest of Dacia. It is the first thing he does and what he wants to be his reputation as emperor \u2013 Dacicus Maximus. In order to start a war of such magnitude, a reason is necessary, Trajan invoking Decebalus' non-compliance with the obligations of the peace treaty. And so, in the year 101, the Dacian war begins (bellum Dacicum Traiani).<\/p>\n

The forces prepared by Trajan are impressive: 14 main legions, alae, cohorts and auxiliaries. Trajan thus gathers an army of about 80,000-150,000 men who stand to face the army if estimated to have about 50,000 men. The preparations of the Danube fleets from the previous years bear fruit, Traiana thus having the fast capacity to transport and disembark the troops on the northern bank of the Danube.<\/p>\n

The Roman lines of attack converge on Sarmizegetusa but the first battle takes place at the (already known) Tapae where the victory belongs to Rome. In response, the Dacians, together with the Sarmatians, Germanic tribes and Roxolani, attacked the Dobrogea line, trying to divert the attention of the Roman army from the Sarmizegetusa line of attack (like Scipio the Africanus before the siege of Rome by Hannibal). The increased transport capacity of the Roman legions (both on land and on the Danube) causes these attacks to be repulsed by the Romans, who recorded two new great victories: at the Tropaeum Traiani and Nicolopis ad Istrum.<\/p>\n

The war is clearly against the Dacians and Decebalus demands peace (102). The provisions of the treaty are difficult for the Dacians, but the state of the war makes it acceptable. Sometimes it's better to survive another day so you can have a new fight. The provisions of the treaty include: renouncing its own foreign policy, ceding territories, stabilizing the Roman garrisons in Tara Ha\u021beg, destroying the defense fortifications of Sarmizegetusa, keeping intact the marching camps (already built during the war), returning the war machines and captures, captured military insignia. In a serious military situation, Decebalus accepts and the Senate, informed by Trajan, enshrines the humiliating peace for the Dacians.<\/p>\n

But peace is temporary, fragile, and both sides know it. In the following period (103-105) preparations for the final war are carried out by both sides: the Romans build the bridge over the Danube to move their troops quickly, strengthen garrisons, rebuild legions and stockpiles.<\/p>\n

The Dacians try to rebuild their army, strengthen their fortresses, try to undermine Trajan's political position, assassinate him, and try (unsuccessfully) to make a great year-Roman alliance.<\/p>\n

In 105 Trajan considers that he is ready for the final stage of the war (Roman historians did not consider that there were two wars but one war with two expeditions) and, invoking the non-observance of the conditions of the treaty of 102 restarts the offensive. With excellent military training, using the outposts created and the ability to move troops quickly. Trajan's second expedition is a long series of victories despite the massive and courageous opposition of the Dacian armies. The offensive quickly led to the siege of the fortress of Sarmizegetusa and, in a short time, to its conquest. Decebalus tries to escape the siege but, being surrounded, he commits suicide so as not to be dishonored during the festivities to be organized.<\/p>\n

On August 11, 106 we have the attestation of the end of the Dacian war and the establishment of the Roman province of Dacia. This included Transylvania, Banat, western Oltenia and southern Moldova, SE Transylvania and Muntenia are included in Lower Moesia. The areas of the free Dacians remain in the north of Moldavia, Maramure\u0219 and Cri\u0219ana. The governor is named Iulius Sabinus and the capital will become the Colonia Ulpia Traiana Augusta Dacica Sarmizegetusa.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Considerations on the Dacian wars.<\/p>\n

The Roman victories were clear and obvious. The geopolitical situation of the Roman Empire was misused by the Dacians during the reign of the emperor Domitian when he had the chance to continue the attacks on the Roman provinces (Moesia and, why not Macedonia) in parallel with the Germanic attacks. The "compromise" peace signed by Domitian was a savior for the Roman Empire and a mistake of geo-strategy of the Dacians.<\/p>\n

The Roman Empire could not tolerate the presence on its northern border of a strong state that showed signs of increased aggression. Trajan's Dacian war is not a one-time event but the end of an extremely long period of aggression, victories and defeats on both sides. Trajan inherited a conflict in an advanced state and, in the face of another great threat, the Parthian Kingdom from which Decebalus asks for help and alliance before the second Roman expedition, wants to put an end to the threat of the Dacians.<\/p>\n

The Dacian wars are well-known both through the writings of Roman historians (especially Cassius Dio), through the frescoes of Trajan's Column and those from Tropaeum Traiani, through well-preserved epigraphic and archaeological sources.<\/p>\n

Burebista's Dacian empire had been fragmented for a long time, but the Roman Empire was constantly living under the threat of its restoration. Roman documents show Decebalus' efforts to rebuild the empire of his predecessor, unfortunately unfinished.<\/p>\n

Moreover, the Dacian society of the future Roman province was "perverted" by Roman culture and civilization, especially through young people who were sent for education to Rome. Roman culture and civilization seemed more pleasant, quieter and more profitable compared to Dacian society. This led both to a detachment of the Dacian population and the northern Thracian peoples outside the Sarmizegetusa area (accusing the Dacians of abandoning old customs) but also to internal betrayals that segment society if. Wars of conquest often begin with culture, luxury, customs, promised prosperity and personal desires. And Rome had something to promise: Pax Romana and personal prosperity.<\/p>\n

The Roman Empire did not want to conquer Dacia. The Roman Empire was forced to conquer Dacia if it wanted to continue its existence. This is why the wars were so bloody and fierce, both sides playing their very existence.<\/p>\n

What followed the war of conquest is known: Dacia becomes a province, prosperous, the ethnogenesis of the Romanian people appears, the Dacians embrace the Roman language, customs and culture and keep them even after the Aurelian retreat. We could say that Dacia kept its Latinity after Rome had forgotten it.<\/p>\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The predictions of the Dacian war of Emperor Trajan. The occupation of the Balkans by the Roman Empire began at the end of the 3rd century BC (the Illyrian Wars) and Rome\u2019s advance towards Dacia. An empire maintains and thrives through successive conquests, and the emperors of Rome have understood this inherent necessity since time immemorial\u2026<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[33,34,45,49,53,57,60,64,72,76,79],"class_list":["post-1979","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-istorie","tag-etica","tag-filosofie","tag-istorie","tag-latina","tag-marc-aureliu","tag-moarte","tag-morala","tag-opinii","tag-politica","tag-razboi","tag-roma"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mazion.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1979","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mazion.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mazion.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mazion.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mazion.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1979"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mazion.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1979\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50870,"href":"https:\/\/mazion.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1979\/revisions\/50870"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mazion.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1979"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mazion.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1979"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mazion.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1979"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}