Dacia

Dacia was the land inhabited by the Dacians, which were a branch of Thracian peoples. Its area roughly corresponded with modern-day Romania.

A Dacian Kingdom of variable size existed between 82 BC until its conquest by Rome. The capital of this Dacian kingdom was Sarmizegetusa. Prior to this the Dacians were made up by a number of loosely associated tribes.

Society

Dacians were divided into two classes: the aristocracy and the common people. Only the aristocracy had the right to cover their heads, and wore a felt hat.

Economy

The chief occupations of the Dacians were agriculture, apiculture, viticulture, livestock, ceramics and metalworking. They also worked the gold and silver mines of which their land had plenty.

Warfare

The weapon most associated with the Dacian forces was the falx, a single-edged scythe-like weapon. The falx was able to inflict horrible wounds on opponents, easily disabling or killing the heavily armored Roman legionaries.

The Dacians were adepts of surprise attacks and skilful, tactical withdrawals using the fortification system.

Dacians that could afford armor wore customised Phrygian type helmets with solid crests. Cavalry would often be armed with a spear.

Dacians warriors, like the Illyrians and other Thracians, decorated their bodies with tattoos.

Religion

Dacian religion was an old polytheistic religion that had influenced neighbouring Greek and Illyrian religions.

Dacia was a predominantly theocratic state, possibly led by a high-priest and a high-king.