Second Battle of Tapae

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The Second Battle of Tapae in 88 AD was the decisive battle of

Roman Emperor defeated the Dacian King Decebalus's army in Tapae
.

History

After the

First Battle of Tapae in 86 AD, one of the most humiliating defeats[1]
of the period and in which Rome lost two entire legions, a year of peace followed.

When the war was resumed after a year of preparations, Domitian promoted as new commander in chief,

Otelu Rosu
). He perhaps used an enveloping approach march conducted in several columns, not without great difficulties due to the continuous attacks of the Dacians.

Roman victory at this major battle was followed by a massacre of Dacians. Tettius, however, did not march on the enemy capital of Sarmizegetusa Regia as Decebalus managed to halt their advance into enemy territory[2] due perhaps to the difficulty of crossing the Iron Gates in a season close to winter.[3]

Aftermath

After the battle, the course of events is unclear. Suetonius mentions that there were "several battles of varying success" (against the Dacians).[4]

The Roman victory had reduced Decebalus to the defensive, but he was saved by events elsewhere.

References

  1. ^ Alexandru Vulpe, Storia e Civiltà della Dacia preromana, in Traiano ai confini dell'Impero, a cura di Grigore Arbore Popescu, Milano 1998, p. 108.
  2. ^ Dio Cassius, Storia romana, LVII, 10, 3.
  3. ^ Cambridge University Press, Storia del mondo antico, L'impero romano da Augusto agli Antonini, vol. VIII, Milano 1975, pp. 616-7.
  4. ^ Suetonius. "The Twelve Caesars". Retrieved 19 March 2012.