Domitian's Dacian War facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Domitian's Dacian War
Part of the Dacian Wars
Map of Dacia
Date 86–88 Location Moesia, Dacia 43°57′36″N 21°7′48″E / 43.96000°N 21.13000°E / 43.96000; 21.13000 Result Dacian victory, but Dacia loses much of its western and southern territory.
Belligerents
Dacian Kingdom	Roman Empire
Commanders and leaders
Decebalus	Oppius Sabinus   † Domitian Cornelius Fuscus  † Tettius Julianus
Casualties and losses
Unknown	2 legions

Domitian's Dacian War was a big conflict between the powerful Roman Empire and the Dacian Kingdom. This war happened when the Dacians invaded a Roman area called Moesia. It took place during the rule of the Roman emperor Domitian, from 86 to 88 AD.

Why the War Started

For a long time, the Dacians were a strong group of people living in an area called Dacia (today's Romania). Their greatest king, Burebista, made them a real threat to the Roman Empire. Even famous Roman leaders like Julius Caesar had plans to fight them.

After Burebista died, Dacia split into smaller parts, which made them less of a danger for a while. The Romans sent armies to fight them a few times, which helped keep the peace.

Dacians Attack Moesia

After about 30 years of quiet, things changed. In the winter of 85-86 AD, the Dacian King Duras, led by his general Diurpaneus, launched a surprise attack. They crossed the frozen Danube River and raided the Roman province of Moesia.

The Romans were caught off guard. The Roman governor, Oppius Sabinus, and his soldiers were completely defeated. Some historians believe a whole Roman army unit, the Legio V Alaudae, was destroyed.

Rome Prepares to Fight Back

After this big loss, Emperor Domitian himself went to Moesia. He brought with him Cornelius Fuscus, who was in charge of the emperor's special guard, the Praetorian Guard. Domitian reorganized the province of Moesia to make it stronger.

To get ready for a big attack on Dacia, the Romans moved many soldiers. They brought the Legio IV Flavia Felix from another area and two more legions, the I and II Adiutrix, from the western parts of the empire. This made the Roman army in Moesia much stronger.

The War Begins

First Battle of Tapae

In 87 AD, with new soldiers ready, Domitian started the First Dacian War. The Dacian general Diurpaneus tried to make peace, but Domitian said no.

Cornelius Fuscus led a large Roman army, possibly 5 or 6 legions, across the Danube River. They used a special bridge made of boats. However, when they reached a place called Tapae, the Dacian king Decebalus (who had become king after Duras) ambushed them. The Dacians attacked from all sides.

The Romans suffered a terrible defeat. Fuscus himself died in the battle. The special battle standard of the Praetorian Guard was captured by the Dacians. The Legio V Alaudae was completely destroyed. This was one of the worst defeats for Rome in a long time, similar to the famous Battle of Teutoburg Forest where Rome lost many legions.

The War in 88 AD

After a year of getting ready again, the war continued. Domitian chose a new commander, Tettius Julianus. He led the Roman army across the Danube River, probably near a fortress called Viminacium.

In the autumn, Tettius Julianus's army reached a plain in front of the Iron Gates mountains. They had a tough journey because the Dacians kept attacking them.

At Tapae, the Romans fought another major battle, known as the Second Battle of Tapae. This time, the Romans won and defeated many Dacians. However, Tettius Julianus did not march on the Dacian capital, Sarmizegetusa Regia. It was probably too hard to cross the Iron Gates mountains so close to winter.

Events in 89 AD

After the Second Battle of Tapae, the exact events are not very clear. Roman writers mention that there were "several battles with different results."

Even though the Romans had won a big battle, King Decebalus was saved by some unexpected events:

• A Roman general named Lucius Antonius Saturninus rebelled against Emperor Domitian in Germany.
• Some other groups, the Marcomanni, Quadi, and Sarmatians, who usually supported Rome, also started a revolt.

Peace Treaty

Because of these problems, the Roman armies had to leave Dacia. This led to a peace treaty. Both sides agreed to terms that saved their honor.

Decebalus became a "client king" of Rome. This meant he was still king of Dacia, but he had to be loyal to Rome. In return, Rome gave him help. They sent skilled carpenters and engineers to help him build stronger defenses. Rome also gave Dacia a large amount of money every year. Decebalus's brother, Diegis, even went to Rome to receive a special crown from Emperor Domitian, showing the alliance.

What Happened Next

For the rest of Emperor Domitian's rule, Dacia remained mostly peaceful. However, King Decebalus used the money and help from Rome to make his defenses even stronger.

Domitian probably wanted to fight the Dacians again later. He sent more soldiers and cavalry units to the Roman area next to Dacia. Later, another Roman emperor, Trajan, continued Domitian's plans. He used these strong armies to start his own Dacian wars against Decebalus.

See also

• Dacian warfare