Dacia was a Balkan tribal kingdom which existed from 168 BC to 106 AD, with Sarmizegetusa serving as its capital. The distinct religion of the Dacians bestowed uncommon political influence on its high priest, who was often able to make or break the authority of a ruler. With such support, King Burebista united the tribes to raise a fighting force of around 200,000 men and went on to extend Dacia’s territory from the shores of the Black Sea to the Pannonian Basin. Realising the threat they posed, and affronted at their support of Pompey the Great, Julius Caesar was on the cusp of marching against Dacia when he was assassinated in 44 BC. In 85 AD, the Dacians swarmed over the Danube and pillaged the Roman province of Moesia, defeating the army which Emperor Domitian sent to defeat them. From 101 to 102 and from 105 to 106, Emperor Trajan commenced a series of campaigns against the Dacians, raing their capital of Sarmizegetusa in 106 after the Dacians violated a truce. With their capital razed, the Dacians were forced to submit to the Romans.
Gallery[]
