War History Summary 18 - Roman Dacian Wars 4: Second Dacian War

In 105 AD, Trajan attacked Dacia again, and this war became a battle that would determine the very existence of the Dacian kingdom. The Roman army crossed the Danube River and advanced through multiple routes, pressuring Dacia's defenses. Although Decabalus attempted to slow the Roman advance using mountainous terrain and fortresses, the Roman army, equipped with siege engines and engineering units, systematically dismantled each defensive position. As the Roman advance continued, the defensive lines around Sarmizegetusa, the Dacian capital, gradually collapsed. Decabalus attempted several counterattacks to halt the Roman advance, but failed to decisively turn the tide. The Dacian army also attacked Roman supply lines and burned surrounding areas, but Rome maintained an organized supply system. Trajan besieged the capital, intensifying pressure on Dacia's final resistance. As the battle dragged on, the Dacian army's manpower and food supplies dwindled, and the fall of the capital loomed. The final phase of the war led to fierce battles surrounding Sarmizegetusa.