Dacian Wars: Encyclopedia II - Dacian Wars - Background to the Conflict

Dacian Wars - Background to the Conflict

Throughout the 1st century, 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.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Background to the Conflict", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki