Dacian warfare
The history ofDacian warfarespans from c. 10th century BC up to the 2nd century AD in the region defined byAncient GreekandLatinhistorians asDacia,populated by a collection of Thracian, Ionian, and Dorian tribes.[1]It concerns the armed conflicts of theDacian tribesand their kingdoms in theBalkans.Apart from conflicts between Dacians and neighboring nations and tribes, numerous wars were recorded amongDacianstoo.
Mythological
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Tribal wars
[edit]The Dacians fought amongst each other[2]but were later united underBurebista.However, after his death[3]in 44 BC, the empire again descended into conflict culminating in a full-scalecivil war.This led to the division of Burebista's empire into five separate kingdoms, severely weakening the Dacian's defensive capabilities against enemies, particularly Rome.[4]The Dacian tribes were again consolidated underDecebalus,who achieved several military victories in a series of battles with the forces of Emperor Domitian.
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The history ofDacian warfarespans from c. 10th century BC up to the 2nd century AD in the region defined byAncient GreekandLatinhistorians asDacia,populated by a collection of Thracian, Ionian, and Dorian tribes.[1]It concerns the armed conflicts of theDacian tribesand their kingdoms in theBalkans.Apart from conflicts between Dacians and neighboring nations and tribes, numerous wars were recorded amongDacianstoo.
Domitian's Dacian War
[edit]The two punitive expeditions mounted as a border defense against raids ofMoesiafrom Dacia in 86-87 AD ordered by the EmperorTitus Flavius Domitianus(Domitian) in 87 AD, and 88 AD. The first expedition was an unmitigated disaster, and the second achieved a peace, seen as unfavorable and shameful by many in Rome.
Trajan's Dacian Wars
[edit]Trajan's Dacian Wars. The two campaigns ofconquestordered or led by the Emperor Trajan in 101-102 AD, and 105-106 AD fromMoesiaacross the Danube north into Dacia. Trajan's forces were successful in both cases, reducing Dacia toclient statestatus in the first, and taking the territory over in the second. These wars involved no fewer than 13legions.[5]The defeat reduced the Dacian territory as a mere Roman province. Rome ruled it, including the entire Transylvanian basin for 150 years. A succession of migratory waves by Visigoths, Huns, Gepids, Avars, and Slavs overran Dacia, cutting it off from the Roman and the Byzantine empires by the end of the sixth century.[1]
Dacian troop types and organization
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The Dacians, like any other barbarian nation, never fielded a standing army, even though there was a warrior class of sorts, thecomati,meaning "long-haired people". Instead, local chieftains, thepileati,meaning "cap-wearing people", raised a levy when required, a force only available after the harvesting season ended. The men themselves fought in everyday clothing defended merely by an oval shield, for body armor and helmets were only worn by the nobility.[6]
Infantry and cavalry
[edit]TheDaciantribes established a highlymilitarizedsociety and, during the periods when the tribes were united under one king (82 -44 BC, 86-106 AD), posed a major threat to theRoman provincesof LowerDanube.Julius Caesarmade preparations for war withKing Burebistato prevent an invasion ofMacedonia,however both rulers died in the same year.Dacialost control over territories beyond theDanubeandTiszaand collapsed into hostile fractions, now being able to master only 40,000 men from the previous 200,000. Dacia, however remained a formidable foe: in the winter of 10 BC, a raid across the Danube was repulsed byMarcus Vinicius.After some decades, the invasions restarted. A major one was just checked in 69 byLicinius Mucianuswhile on his way to battleAulus Vitellius.In another one in 85 the Romans have almost lostMoesia,and its governorOppius Sabinuswas killed. The following year a Dacian force annihilated the army ofCornelius Fuscusunder the new leaderDecebalusafter the victory ofTettius JulianusatTapae.As thewardragged on,Domitianwas distracted by theSuebiansandIazyges,and had to make a humiliating peace.[7]LaterTrajanhad attacked Decebalus two times, first making peace before reaching the capital, then taking it and conquering around a third ofDacia.According toCriton of Heraclea,the 500,000POWswere taken.[8]TheFree Dacians,allying withScythianandGermanictribes never stopped raiding the new Roman province.
After the sound of thecarnyxwar trumpet, the Dacians went to battle with thedraco.The most importantweaponof theirarsenalwas thefalx.[citation needed]This dreaded weapon, similar to a largesickle,came in two variants: a shorter, one-handed falx called asica,[9]and a longer two-handed version, which was apolearm.It consisted of a three-feet long wooden shaft with a long curved ironbladeof nearly-equal length attached to the end. The blade was sharpened only on the inside, and was reputed to be devastatingly effective. However, it left its user vulnerable because, using a two-handed weapon, thewarriorcould not also make use of ashield.Alternatively, it might be used as a hook, pulling away shields and cutting at vulnerable limbs.
Using the falx, the Dacian warriors were able to counter the power of the compact, massed Roman formations. During the time of theRoman conquest of Dacia(101 - 102, 105 - 106),legionarieshad reinforcing iron straps applied to theirhelmets.The Romans also introduced the use of leg and arm protectors (greavesandmanica[citation needed]) as further protection against the falxes. This was one of the rare times in history where Roman armor was modified.
The Dacians were adept[citation needed]at surprise attacks and skillful, tactical withdrawals using the fortification system. During the wars with the Romans fought by their last kingDecebalus(87-106), the Dacians almost crushed the Romangarrisonssouth of theDanubein a surprise[citation needed]attack launched over the frozen river ( winter of 101-102 ). Only the intervention of EmperorTrajanwith the main army saved the Romans from a major defeat. But, by 106, the Dacians were surrounded in their capitalSarmizegetusa.The city was taken after the Romans discovered and destroyed[citation needed]the capital'swater supplyline.
Dacians decorated their bodies with tattoos like theIllyrians[10]and theThracians.[11]ThePannoniansnorth of theDravahad accepted Roman rule out of fear of the Dacians.[12]
Dacia remained a Roman province until 271.
Marcus Annaeus Lucanus[13]39 - 65 wrote of Dacian hordes;
Have poured her captains, and the troops who guard the northern frontier from the Dacian hordes
Dacians that could afford armor wore customisedPhrygian type helmetswith solid crests (intricately decorated), domed helmets andSarmatian helmets.[14]They fought with spears, javelins, falces, and one-sided battle axes, and used "Draco"carnyxesas standards. Most used only shields as a form of defense. Cavalry would be armed with a spear, a longLa Tènesword and an oval shield; few in number, they relied heavily on Sarmatian allies for their mounted arm.
Most[citation needed]of the infantry would wield a falx and perhaps a sica and would wear no armor at all, even shunning shields.
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Mercenaries
[edit]Dacian mercenaries were uncommon in contrast to theThraciansand theIllyriansbut they could be found in the service of the GreekDiadochi[15]and of theRomans.[16]
Nobility
[edit]A 2nd century chieftain would wear a bronzePhrygian type helmet,acorseletof iron scale armor, an oval wooden shield with motifs and wield a sword.[17]
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Navy
[edit]The ancient historian Ptolemy mentions a naval battle between the Geto-Dacians and the Romans near the island of Eukon (most likely today'sPopina Island).
Fortifications
[edit]
Dacians had built fortresses all around Dacia with most of them being on theDanube.[18]A scene fromTrajan's columnshows Romans attacking a Dacian fortification using the "testudo".[19]
The Dacians constructed stone strongholds,davas,in theCarpathian Mountainsin order to protect their capitalSarmizegetusa.Thefortificationswere built on a system of circular belts. This allowed[citation needed]the defenders, after a stronghold was lost, to retreat to the next one using hidden escape gates. Advanced defensive systems adopted from theGreeksmade their already powerful strongholds extremely difficult obstacles.[6]
External influences
[edit]Thracian
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Scythian and Sarmatian
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TheDacian Dracowas the standard of the ancientDacianmilitary. It served as a standard for the Dacians of the La Tène period and its origin must clearly be sought in the art of Asia Minor sometime during the second millennium BC.[20]
Sarmatians were part[21]of the Dacian army as allies. TheRoxolanibecame part of the Dacians while theIazygesfought against them trying to claim their own land.[22]
The Celts played a very active role in Dacia as enemies that were easily defeated by Dacians.[23]TheScordisciwere among the defeated Celts that the Dacians conquered.[24]
Greek/Hellenic
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Cothelashad become a vassal to ancientMacedon.[citation needed]Some Kings of theGetaehad beenHellenized[25]The Dacians traded with the Hellenistic world based upon their mineral reserves and gained better technological and cultural strategies than theirGermanicandCelticneighbours. Advanced defensive systems made their already powerful strongholds extremely difficult obstacles.[6]
Roman
[edit]
After their defeat, the Dacians were ethnically cleansed. Young men were either killed or became slaves or legionaries. The remaining population was expelled and their lands were given to colonists.[8]Later, theRomansstarted minting a coin calledDacicus[26]was minted byDomitian.
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Barbarians
[edit]Dacianswere spoken of byTrajanas dignified barbarians[27]consequently still dangerous, but unable to win against the might ofRome.1st century BC poetHoracewrites of them in one of his works and mentions them along with theScythians[28]astyrantsand fierce barbarians. Later historianTacituswrites that they are a people that can never be trusted.[29]
TheAncient Greeks[30]expressed admiration and respect forBurebista.
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List of Dacian battles
[edit]This is a list of battles or conflicts that Dacians had a leading or crucial role in, rarely as mercenaries. They were involved in massive battles against Roman legions.
- Unknown date. CelticBoiiinBohemiaagainst Dacian tribes from the lowerDanube,[31]Dacian victory
- 1st century BCDaciansagainstScordisci,[citation needed]Dacian victory
- 86
- 87,First Battle of Tapae,[citation needed]Dacian victory
- 88
- 101,Second Battle of Tapae,[citation needed]Roman victory
- 102,Battle of Adamclisi,[citation needed]Roman victory
- 103, Battle of Gatae,[citation needed]Roman victory
- 105
- 106,Battle of Sarmisegetusa,[citation needed]Roman victory
See also
[edit]- List of ancient cities in Thrace and Dacia
- List of ancient tribes in Thrace and Dacia
- List of rulers of Thrace and Dacia
- Thracian warfare
- Illyrian warfare
- Celtic warfare
- Falx
- Sica
References
[edit]- ^abcBugajski, Janus (2002).Political Parties of Eastern Europe.New York: M.E. Sharpe. p. 829.ISBN1563246767.
- ^Ramsey, Syed (2016).Tools of War: History of Weapons in Ancient Times.New Delhi: Alpha Editions.ISBN9789386019806.
- ^The Legionaryby Peter Connolly, 1998, page 14: "... dynamic king Burebista, a century and a half earlier, the Dacians had become the most powerful nation in central Europe, but since his death the country had been split by civil war."
- ^Grumeza, Ion (2009).Dacia: Land of Transylvania, Cornerstone of Ancient Eastern Europe.Lanham: Hamilton Books. p. 146.ISBN9780761844655.
- ^A Companion to the Roman Army (Blackwell Companions to the Ancient World) by Paul Erdkamp, 2007, page 218
- ^abcBennett, Julian (2005).Trajan: Optimus Princeps.Taylor & Francis e-Library. p. 87.ISBN0-415-165245.
- ^Bennett, Julian (2005).Trajan: Optimus Princeps.Taylor & Francis e-Library. p. 88.ISBN0-415-165245.
- ^abBennett, Julian (2005).Trajan: Optimus Princeps.Taylor & Francis e-Library. p. 104.ISBN0-415-165245.
- ^Rome's Enemies (1): Germanics and Dacians (Men at Arms Series, 129) by Peter Wilcox and Gerry Embleton, 1982, page 35
- ^The Illyriansby John Wilkes, 1996, page 198: "...their armor is Celtic but they are tattooed like the rest of the Illyrians and Thracians..."
- ^The World of Tattoo: An Illustrated Historyby Maarten Hesselt van Dinter, 2007, page 25: "... in ancient times. The Danube area Dacians, Thracians and Illyrians all decorated themselves with status-enhancing tattoos,..."
- ^The Oxford Classical Dictionary by Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth, 2003, page 1106, "Pannonia north of the Drava appears to have accepted Roman rule without a struggle probably owing to fear of the Dacians to the east.
- ^Luc. 8.331
- ^Rome's enemies: Germanics and Daciansby Peter Wilcox, Gerry Embleton,ISBN0850454735,1982
- ^The Coming of Rome in the Dacian World,ISBN387940707X,2000, page 83
- ^The Coming of Rome in the Dacian World,ISBN387940707X,2000, page 115
- ^Rome's Enemies (1): Germanics and Dacians (Men at Arms Series, 129) by Peter Wilcox and Gerry Embleton, 1982
- ^Dacia: Land of Transylvania, Cornerstone of Ancient Eastern Europe by Ion Grumeza, 2009, page 13, "The shores of the Danube were well monitored from the Dacian fortresses Acidava, Buricodava, Dausadava (the shrine of the wolves), Diacum, Drobeta (Turnu Severin), Nentivava (Oltenita), Suvidava (Corabia), Tsirista, Tierna/Dierna (Orsova) and what is today Zimnicea. Downstream were also other fortresses: Axiopolis (Cernadova), Barbosi, Buteridava, Capidava (Topalu), Carsium (Harsova), Durostorum (Silistra), Sacidava/Sagadava (Dunareni) along with still others..."
- ^The Cambridge History of Greek and Roman Warfare:Volume 2,Rome from the Late Republic to the Late Empireby Philip Sabin, Hans van Wees, and Michael Whitby, 2007, page 149: "... 4.5 Scene from Trajan's column depicting Roman troops attacking a Dacian fortification, using the famous testudo (tortoise) formation to shield themselves from..."
- ^Parvan Vasile (1928) in 'Dacia', Bucuresti, page 125
- ^Dacia: Land of Transylvania, Cornerstone of Ancient Eastern Europe by Ion Grumeza, 2009, page 170
- ^Dacia: Land of Transylvania, Cornerstone of Ancient Eastern Europe by Ion Grumeza, 2009, page 134
- ^Dacia: Land of Transylvania, Cornerstone of Ancient Eastern Europe by Ion Grumeza, 2009, page 88
- ^Strab. 7.5,"...they often used the Scordisci as allies..."
- ^The Thracians, 700 BC - AD 46 by Christopher Webber,ISBN1-84176-329-2,ISBN978-1-84176-329-3,2001, page 14, "It shows a Hellenised king of the Getae..."
- ^Dacicus,"Dācicus, a gold coin of Domitian, conqueror of the Dacians..."
- ^The Barbarians Speak: How the Conquered Peoples Shaped Roman Europe by Peter S. Wells, 2001, page 105, "... so too the Emperor Trajan represented the Dacians as a strong threat to Roman authority on the lower Danube. These barbarian enemies are represented in heroic fashion, as dignified warriors..."
- ^Q. Horatius Flaccus (Horace), Odes, John Conington, Ed.Hor. Carm. 1.35,"The fierce Dacians, and Scythian hordes, people and towns, and Rome, their head, and mothers of barbarian lords, and tyrants in their purple dread,..."
- ^Tac. Hist. 3.46,"The Dacians also were in motion, a people which never can be trusted..."
- ^Dacia: Land of Transylvania, Cornerstone of Ancient Eastern Europe by Ion Grumeza, 2009, page 54, "The Greeks were so impressed with his achievements that they named him 'the first and greatest king of the kings of Thracia'...."
- ^Celtic Warrior: 300 BC-AD 100 by Stephen Allen and Wayne Reynolds, 2001, Front Matter, "... 60: Celtic Boii in Bohemia defeated by Dacian tribes from the lower Danube. 58-51: Caesar's campaigns in Gaul..."
External links
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