Fully illustrated, this book assesses the Roman and Dacian fighting men who clashed in three bloody encounters during the Dacian Wars of AD 85–106.
While the Roman emperor Trajan’s two campaigns against the Dacian people (AD 101–02 and 105–06) are widely known, the earlier conflicts between the Dacians and their Roman neighbours are also important. Drawing upon the latest research and findings, this fully illustrated study investigates the emperor Domitian’s Dacian war (AD 86–88) as well as Trajan’s campaigns.
Inhabiting an area of Europe from the Tisza River to the Black Sea, the Dacians mounted raids into Roman territory throughout the 1st century AD. In 85 Dacian forces invaded Roman territory; after defeating the invaders, the Roman Army moved into Dacia. Distracted by other crises, Domitian made peace and Dacia became a client kingdom of Rome.
In AD 101, the emperor Trajan launched a pre-emptive strike on Dacia, prompting the Dacians to sue for peace in 102. In 105, Trajan’s troops commenced a new campaign; the Romans besieged the Dacian capital, Sarmizegetusa. After the Dacian king committed suicide, a new Roman province of Dacia was established.
Featuring specially commissioned full-colour artwork and mapping, this study pits the might of the Roman Army against the formidable Dacians, showing how the fighting men of both sides adapted their tactics and technologies as the fighting progressed.
By:
Dr Murray Dahm
Illustrated by:
Giuseppe Rava (Illustrator)
Imprint: Osprey Publishing
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Volume: 80
Dimensions:
Height: 248mm,
Width: 184mm,
Spine: 6mm
Weight: 261g
ISBN: 9781472864239
ISBN 10: 1472864239
Series: Combat
Pages: 80
Publication Date: 29 July 2025
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming
[subject to confirmation] Introduction The Opposing Sides Domitian’s Dacian War, AD 86–88 Tapae, AD 101 Sarmizegetusa, AD 106 Analysis Aftermath Bibliography Index
Murray Dahm is a freelance historian and the author of several titles for Osprey, including Late Roman Infantryman vs Gothic Warrior. He has written more than 50 articles for magazines such as Ancient Warfare, Medieval Warfare and Ancient History. Giuseppe Rava, a leading military history artist, is inspired by the works of the great military artists, such as Detaille, Meissonier, Röchling, Lady Butler, Ottenfeld and Angus McBride.
Reviews for Roman Soldier vs Dacian Warrior: Dacian Wars AD 85–106
very well produced * Miniature Wargames * All in all an excellent source book for the modeller, historian or anybody with even a passing interest. * Army Rumour Service *
