This intriguing book describes the Romans' formidably warlike enemies
in modern Romania and Bulgaria - their 'most illustrated' opponents,
thanks to friezes on Trajan's Column and carvings on Trajan's Adamklissi
monument.
Formidable warriors, able to field tens of thousands of infantry and
cavalry and led by a military aristocracy, the Dacians and Getae
presented a real threat to Rome's north-eastern frontier. They inflicted
several defeats on Rome, crossing the Danube to invade the province of
Moesia, and later stubbornly resisting counter-invasions from their
strong mountain fortresses.
Historians believe that the Dacians and Getae were essentially the same
group of tribes during successive periods, related to Thracian tribes
from territory south of the Carpathian Mountains, but their exact
relationship in place and time is a subject for debate. Those called the
'Getae' by ancient Greek sources were actively expanding by at least the
4th century BC; some enlisted as mercenaries in Roman armies during the
1st century BC, and others later clashed with the army of Augustus,
fighting alongside the Sarmatians. The people whom the Romans called the
'Dacians' are best known from wars against the emperors Domitian in AD
85-89 and Trajan in 101-106. At their peak, the Dacians and Getae
defeated neighbouring peoples stretching from modern Slovakia to
southern Ukraine and it is believed that the effectiveness of their
weapons caused modifications in Roman infantry armour.
Although most direct ancient sources have been lost to us, enough
references remain to reconstruct a picture of their society and culture.
Using previously unseen photos of archaeological finds with colour
illustrations showing the appearance and weaponry of their warrior
kings, noblemen, infantry and cavalry, this detailed book draws upon the
latest literary and archaeological research to provide a complete
account of these fascinating fighters.