The Dacian Wars were two short wars between the Roman Empire and Dacia during Emperor Trajan's rule (A.D. 98 - 117).

Background to the Conflict

Throughout the 1st century A.D. , Roman policy largely dictated that threats from neighbouring nations and provinces were to be contained promptly. Following a heavy defeat at the hands of the Dacian king Decebalus's skirmishing forces. Despite some co-operation on the diplomatic front with Domitian, Decebalus continued to oppose Rome. Thus, Dacia was considered one such threat. At the time, Rome was suffering from economic difficulties largely brought on by extensive military campaigns throughout Europe, in part due to a low gold content in Roman currency brought on by Emperor Nero. Confirmed rumors of Dacian gold and other valuable trade resources in part incited the conflict.

As such, the new Emperor Trajan, himself an experienced soldier and tactician, began preparing for a war against Dacia.

The First War

After founding bonds with the Roman Senate and thereby gaining its blessing for a war, by 101 Trajan was ready to advance on Dacia. This was a war in which the Roman military's ingenuity and engineering might was well demonstrated, a stone bridge was constructed across the Danube to assist with the legionary's advance. The Roman offensive was spearheaded by two legionary columns, likely marching straight to the heart of Dacia, burning some towns and villages in the process. In 102 King Decebalus chose to surrender after some minor conflicts. The war, spanning only months, had concluded with a heroic Roman victory.

The Second War

Following his subjugation Decebalus complied with Rome for a time, but was soon inciting revolt among tribes against the Romans and pillaging Roman colonies across the Danube. True to his intrepid and optimistic nature he had become renowned for, the now popular Emperor Trajan rallied his forces once more in A.D. 106 for a second war against the tribes of Dacia.

Unlike the first conflict, the second war involved several skirmishs that proved costly to the Roman military, who, facing large numbers of allied tribes struggled at first to attain a decisive victory. Eventually however, Rome prevailed and took Dacia. An assault against the capital; Sarmizegethusa proved successful and it was burned to the ground. King Decebalus fled, but soon committed suicide rather than face capture.

Conclusion and Aftermath

The Dacian wars proved a huge triumph for Rome and its armies, Trajan announced a total of 123 days of glorious celebrations throughout the Empire. Dacia's rich mines were secured, which provided a helpful source of finance for Rome's future campaigns and assisted a rapid expansion of Roman towns throughout Europe. Most of Dacia's civilian populace was either enslaved or killed, in part to discourage future revolts. Dacia was formally annexed and its population replaced by immigrants from around the Empire.

The two wars were notable victories in Rome's extensive expansionist campaigns, gaining the peoples admiration and support for Emperor Trajan. The conclusion of the Dacian Wars marked a period of sustained growth and relative peace in Rome. An extensive building project was begun, which in turn improved Rome's civic infrastructure as a whole. Trajan became a true and honorable civil Emperor, thereby paving the way for further internal expansion and reinforcement within the Roman Empire as a whole.