Dahm, Murray Roman Soldier vs Dacian Warrior. Dacian Wars AD 85-106

Although the two campaigns of the Roman emperor Trajan against the Dacians (101-102 and 105-106 AD) are widely known, the earlier conflicts between the Dacians and their Roman neighbours are also important. Based on the latest research and findings, this fully illustrated study examines the Dacian War of Emperor Domitian (86-88 AD) and Trajan's campaigns. The Dacians, who inhabited an area of Europe from the Tisza to the Black Sea, raided Roman territory throughout the 1st century AD. In 85, Dacian troops invaded Roman territory; after defeating the invaders, the Roman army entered Dacia. Distracted by other crises, Domitian made peace and Dacia became a client kingdom of Rome. In 101 AD, Emperor Trajan launched a pre-emptive strike against Dacia, whereupon the Dacians asked for peace in 102. In 105, Trajan's troops began a new campaign; the Romans besieged the Dacian capital of Sarmizegetusa. After the Dacian king committed suicide, a new Roman province of Dacia was founded. With specially commissioned colour images and maps, this study contrasts the might of the Roman army with the fearsome Dacians and shows how the fighters on both sides adapted their tactics and technologies as the battles progressed.