1910 years Anniversary from the second Dacian war
1910 years Anniversary from the second Dacian war when Emperor Trajan invading Dacia. On the Dacian Wars has written many scientific papers which are very comprehensive. Unlikely I will be able to comprehend all the information published on the internet, but I will still try to focus on a few important facts about this anniversary and events. I will not have the opportunity to go into details,I will only remark this anniversary.
In AD 105 the new campaign was launched, against contract failure Dacian King Decebalus and according to Dio, "Trajan, having crossed the Danube by means of the bridge, conducted the war with safe prudence rather than with haste, and eventually, after a hard struggle, vanquished the Dacians. In the course of the campaign he himself performed many deeds of good generalship and bravery, and his troops ran many risks and displayed great prowess on his behalf."
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The Second Dacian War was fought in 105 to 106 because the Dacian king Decebalus had broken his peace terms with the Roman emperor Trajan from the First Dacian War. Now Trajan set out to Dacia with total conquest in his sights.The conflicts were triggered by the constant Dacian threat on the Danubian Roman Province of Moesia and also by the increasing need for resources of the economy of the Roman Empire. Trajan turned his attention to Dacia, when Dacians defeated a Roman army at the Battle of Histria in AD 85, the Dacians swarmed over the Danube and pillaged Moesia and initially defeated the army that Emperor Domitian sent against them.But the Romans were victorious in the Battle of Tapae in 88 and a truce was established. Emperor Trajan commence hostilities against Dacia and, following an uncertain number of battles in purpose to defeat the Dacian King Decebalus.
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In 87 AD, Domitian began what became the First Dacian War with 5 or 6 legions. The Roman army was ambushed and defeated at the First Battle of Tapae. the legions lost their standards, this leading up to humiliation of Rome and the Roman Army. In 88, the Roman offensive continued, and the Roman army, this time under the command of Tettius Julianus defeated the Dacians at the outlying Dacian fortress of Sarmizegetusa, also at Tapae, near the current village of Bucova. Follows unfavorable peace treaty with Decebalus. Despite some co-operation on the diplomatic front with Domitian, Decebalus continued to oppose Rome.Some historians believe this was an unfavorable peace and that it might have led to Domitian's assassination in September 96.
I will be not able to pay attention in details on this historic moment.However, this is not the topic of this publication.
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The First Dacian War of Trajan
After gaining the Senate's blessing for war, by 101 Trajan was ready to advance on Dacia. This was a war in which the Roman military's ingenuity and engineering were well demonstrated. The Roman offensive was spearheaded by two legionary columns, marching straight to the heart of Dacia, burning towns and villages en route. Trajan defeated a Dacian army at the Battle of Tapae, and in 102 Decebalus chose to make peace after additional minor conflicts. The war had concluded with an important Roman victory. A stone bridge later known as Trajan's bridge was constructed across the Danube at Drobeta to assist with the legionaries' advance.
However the First Dacian War is not the topic of this publication.I will be not able to pay attention in details on this historic moment.
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This bridge, probably the biggest at that time and for centuries to come, was designed by Apollodorus of Damascus and was meant to help the Roman army to advance faster in Dacia since the "peace" was actually lost by the Roman Empire. According to the peace terms, Decebalus got technical and military reinforcement from the Romans in order to create a powerful allied zone against the dangerous possible expeditions from the northern and eastern territories by hostile migrating peoples. The resources were instead used to rebuild Dacian fortresses and strengthen the army. Soon thereafter Decebalus turned against the Romans once again.
Trajan's Bridge or the Bridge of Apollodorus over the Danube was a Roman segmental arch bridge, the first to be built over the lower Danube. Though it was only functional for a few decades, for more than 1,000 years it was the longest arch bridge in both total and span length. The bridge was constructed in 105 AD by Greek architect Apollodorus of Damascus for the deployment of Roman troops in the war against Dacia.Locale East of the Iron Gates, near the cities of Kladovo (Serbia) and Drobeta-Turnu Severin (Romania).The bridge was built by Apollodoros of Damascus, Trajan's famed engineer and Hellenized Syrian in 102-104 AD and it was one of the largest (if not the largest) military engineering work of it's time. It is not known exactly which legions built the briidge, however we do know that there were eleven legions that could be placed in that region between Vienna and the Black Sea. The I Italica and V Macedonia were on the lower Danube River; Five legions; I and II Adiutrix, IIII Flavia, VII Claudia, and XIII Gemina were concentrated in the 100km between Belgrade and the Djerdap Gorge. A further four legions were encamped between Belgrade and Vienna. The X Gemina and the XI Claudia, posted in from Germany and may not have arrived before AD102. The pictures accompanying this article are a model of the bridge which can be found at the Iron Gates Museum in the city of Turnu Severin, Romania. What remains of the Trajan Bridge is an abutment on the Romanian side of the Danube which stands just in front of the museum.
A Roman historian writing over 100 years after the death of the Emperor Trajan indicates the size of the bridge piers were 60 feet (18 meters) wide, 150 feet (45meters) high and 170 feet apart. Furthermore, these piers were set up where the Danube was deep and swift, with a muddy bottom. Apparently the bridge did not remain in use for very long. The historian, Cassius Dio, writes that Emperor Hadrian after giving up the province of Dacia, had removed the bridge superstructure, to prevent the Dacians from raiding across the Danube into Moesia, and that it was missing during the historian's lifetime.
The construction of the bridge piers alone must have been a herculean task. First a boat (pontoon) bridge would have been built across the Danube to provide a structure on which to move materials to the planned positions of each bridge pier. If a pontoon bridge could not be built due to the powerful river flow, then all materials would have had to be delivered to pier site by barge or boat. This was probably the situation in the case of Trajan's Bridge due to the size and volume of the Danube River.
It is not known exactly which legions built the briidge, however we do know that there were eleven legions that could be placed in that region between Vienna and the Black Sea. The I Italica and V Macedonia were on the lower Danube River; Five legions; I and II Adiutrix, IIII Flavia, VII Claudia, and XIII Gemina were concentrated in the 100km between Belgrade and the Djerdap Gorge. A further four legions were encamped between Belgrade and Vienna. The X Gemina and the XI Claudia, posted in from Germany and may not have arrived before AD102. The pictures accompanying this article are a model of the bridge which can be found at the Iron Gates Museum in the city of Turnu Severin, Romania. What remains of the Trajan Bridge is an abutment on the Romanian side of the Danube which stands just in front of the museum.
Regarding Legio VII Claudia
During the reign of Trajan, the war against the Dacians was renewed (101) and the seventh legion was one of the most important units. Its base Viminacium was used to build op the Roman army that was to invade Dacia in the second campaign season (102). In the neighborhood, at Drobeta, the Romans erected a famous bridge across the Danube, designed by Apollodorus of Damascus. It is very likely that soldiers of the seventh legion were employed to do the actual building. Victory was finally achieved in 106.
livius.org
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The Second Dacian War
Following the first war, Decebalus complied with Rome for a time, but was soon inciting revolt among tribes against them and pillaging Roman colonies across the Danube. True to his intrepid and optimistic nature, Trajan rallied his forces in 105 AD.Like the first conflict, the second war involved several skirmishes that proved costly to the Roman military. Faced with large numbers of allied tribes, the legions struggled to attain a decisive victory, resulting in a second temporary peace. Eventually, goaded by the behavior of Decebalus and his repeated violations of the treaty, Rome again brought in reinforcements, took the offensive and prevailed in 105. The next year they gradually conquered the mountain fortress system that surrounded the Dacian capital, Sarmizegetusa. The final decisive battle took place near the walls of Sarmizegetusa, during the summer of 106, with the participation of the legions II Adiutrix and IV Flavia Felix and a detachment (vexillatio) from VI Ferrata.
Regarding Legio XIIII Gemina
In 92, XXI Rapax was destroyed by the Dacians and XIV Gemina was transferred to Pannonia to replace it, The legion was first stationed at Osijek, and later at Vindobona (modern Vienna), from which town it fought against the Suebes and Sarmatians. This war was continued during the reign of Nerva and escalated to the large Dacian wars of Trajan (101-106), which culminated in the conquest of modern Rumania. Veterans of the Fourteenth were settled in Sarmizegetusa, the capital of the conquered provinces.
livius.org
The Dacians repelled the first attack, but the Romans, helped by a treacherous local nobleman, found and destroyed the water pipes of the Dacian capital. Running out of water and food the city fell and was razed. Decebalus fled, but was followed by the Roman cavalry and committed suicide rather than submit. Nevertheless, the war went on.
On operational details of the second war (105–106), need to be addressed. Decebalus’s attempt to reverse the first war’s outcome were quickly squashed, although more action, including mopping up operations,occurred north of the Muresh River and the northeastern parts of Dacia. He whole a fair was over by July 106.107 The second capture of Sarmizegethusa largely followed the course of the first war, although Decebalus led the capital and committed suicide at Ranisstorum (location uncertain). The second Dacian war originated from the violation of a disarmament clause included in the peace terms which ended the first war.
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Participating legions and auxiliary The Second Dacian War.
In the web there are various publications on this topic.
During the summer of 106 participation legions are II ADIUTRIX and FLAVIA FELIX and a detachment (vexillatio) from Legio VI Ferrata, IV Flavia Felix, I Italica .
From this table published in PARTICIPATION OF THE AUXILIARY TROOPS FROM MOESIA SUPERIOR IN TRAJAN'S DACIAN WARS by Flofian Matei-Popescu ,Ovidiu Tentea may well get an idea of the size and the movement of the auxiliary cohorts particularly take part in the Dacian wars, as they are attested by the military diplomas in others provinces regarding the Dacian wars.
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I will not stop for more details on the progress of the military campaign as well as its consequence of this war that ends witх: annexation of Dacia as an Roman province, and many new colonies were founded laying a foundation for Roman influence that lasts into the present day. In fact, Romania, the modern equivalent to a portion of Dacian territory speaks a language that claims to be the most closely related modern tongue to that of ancient Latin.
The Dacian Wars were a huge triumph for Rome and its armies. Trajan announced a total of 123 days of glorious celebrations throughout the Empire.
When Trajan returned to Rome in AD 106, he did so with a vast treasure. According to Trajan's ancient contemporary Cryton (whose original work was lost but retold through Ioannes Lydus in the 6th Century) 'the sum of five million gold and twice as much silver' was taken. Though this number is difficult to translate into modern equivalents (and must be measured with a sense for ancient exaggerations) one scholar, Jerome Carcopino, roughly translated this immense sum to 180 tons (165,000 kg) of gold and 360 tons (331,000 kg) of silver.
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Appropriate legionnaires equipment for the period.The end of the first century and the first quarter of the second century.
More closely I stopped at this issue here in my album covering the Armenia invaded of Traianus in 114 A.D.
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Suitable helmets for this period are:
More closely I stopped at this issue here in my album covering the Armenia invaded of Traianus in 114 A.D.
Most of Weisenau type models аre also suitable.
This legionary helmet is a precious piece of the Roman defensive military equipment and belongs to the well-attested Weisenau helmet type14. It is the only representative of this kind found in Bulgaria to date.
It is assumed, that it was really found in the area of Ruse, ancient Sexaginta Prista, one could explain its appearance there by several reasons. The belonging of the helmet to the Fifth Macedonian legion20 can help us to establish a more precise date for its use. Legio V Macedonica was stationed in Oescus throughout the first century.
However, it is interesting that here both owners (written on both sides of the protective collar) served in the same centuria, i. e. the first owner of the helmet used it only for a period of time shorter than the term of office of the centurion. One could explain this through either his discharge from service in the legion or his death, which could have been connected with one of the Dacian wars of Domitian or Trajan.
The text informs us that the owner of the helmet, Publius Vibius, served in the Fifth Macedonian Legion under the centurion Valerius Crispus.
Inscription of two lines on the left, beginning from the very edge of the neck-guard (fig.7). The dots are larger than those of the other two inscriptions; the letters are broader and widely spaced. Height of letters 0.8 cm.)·VALERI·CRIPI· L·V·M P·VIBIVS· (centuriae) Valeri Cri(s)pi l(egionis) V M(acedonicae) P(ublius) Vibius
Inscription of three lines in the right part of the neck-guard, beginning at 14 cm from the right edge and 3.5 cm from the low edge of the neck-guard (fig. 8). The dots are smaller than those of inscription A; letters slightly inclined to the left; smaller letters in l. 3. Height of letters 0.5-0.8 cm. ·VALERICRISPI P·SABINI MAR R I· (centuriae) Valeri Crispi P(ubli) Sabini Marri (?)
Publication from ELKA PEEVA National History Museum
Department of Archaeology Sofia,
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Celts and Dacians in the Dacian war.
There is no doubt that Celtic warriors were among the victorious ranks of the Decebalus army. After all, Decebalus was a Celtic name meaning the “right ruler. He likely belonged to the Celtic tribe of Decies/Daesi, which sounds very close to the name of “Dacia. The entire five-year campaign was immortalized in the marble of Trajan’s Column.The column shows the clear presence of Celtic warriors in war scenes half-naked and mustachioed soldiers are undoubtedly Celts. The column also shows Dacians with Celtic shields. Source:
http://www.iongrumeza.com/node/28
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This is a publication for which I prepared from last year by collecting information about this Dacian war Anniversaries. Of course I do not claim that I am exhaustive on the subject! I posted this historical facts refracted through my eyes of reenactor. Those who do not want to read the relatively large volume of texts that I've posted can watch these well-made scientific video
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Regarding the legions participated in The Second Dacian War
During the reign of Trajan, it fought against the Dacians (101-106). One inscription suggests that it was part of a task force with VI Victrix and X Gemina from Neuss and Nijmegen. In the final years of the war, I Minervia was commanded by the future emperor Hadrian. The legion's emblem can be seen on the famous column of Trajan in Rome, the victory monument that was erected after Dacia had been conquered. The legion returned to the Rhine when the war was over, because its (anonymous) commander is known to have been in Germania Inferior in the year 112.
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Regarding Legio XIIII Gemina
In 92, XXI Rapax was destroyed by the Dacians and XIV Gemina was transferred to Pannonia to replace it, The legion was first stationed at Osijek, and later at Vindobona (modern Vienna), from which town it fought against the Suebes and Sarmatians. This war was continued during the reign of Nerva and escalated to the large Dacian wars of Trajan (101-106), which culminated in the conquest of modern Rumania. Veterans of the Fourteenth were settled in Sarmizegetusa, the capital of the conquered provinces.
livius.org
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Regarding Legio VII Claudia
During the reign of Trajan, the war against the Dacians was renewed (101) and the seventh legion was one of the most important units. Its base Viminacium was used to build op the Roman army that was to invade Dacia in the second campaign season (102). In the neighborhood, at Drobeta, the Romans erected a famous bridge across the Danube, designed by Apollodorus of Damascus. It is very likely that soldiers of the seventh legion were employed to do the actual building. Victory was finally achieved in 106.
livius.org
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Ex Oriente ad Danubium: the Syrian auxiliary units on the Danube frontier of the Roman Empire by Ovidiu Ţentea
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The Roman Empire wars with Celts and Dacians.
There is no doubt that Celtic warriors were among the victorious ranks of the Decebalus army. After all, Decebalus was a Celtic name meaning the “right ruler. He likely belonged to the Celtic tribe of Decies/Daesi, which sounds very close to the name of “Dacia. The entire five-year campaign was immortalized in the marble of Trajan’s Column.The column shows the clear presence of Celtic warriors in war scenes framed with mistletoe motifs. Half-naked and mustachioed soldiers depicted on the column are undoubtedly Celts. The column also shows Dacians with Celtic shields.
Source: iongrumeza.com
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Sources used
en.wikipedia.org
unrv.com
romeartlover.tripod.com
en.wikipedia.org
romanianhistoryandculture.com
en.wikipedia.org
textbookformypillow.wordpress.com
bc.edu
google.bg
netlibrary.net
novaroma.org
bg.wikipedia.org