Rome's Enemies (1): Germanics and Dacians

Osprey Men at Arms #129

by Peter Wilcox

These vigorous northern 'barbarians' were the destroyers of the Western Empire of Rome. It was they who delivered the coup de grâce to the dying colossus in the south, subsequently creating medieval Europe, the feudal system and chivalry. Their direct descendants were the knights and men-at-arms. In every sense, they were the creators of the modern world; it is ironic that many people know virtually nothing about them. This book explores the history, weapons and dress of the Germanics and Dacians who fought Rome two thousand years before our time.

Genres: History, Military History, Ancient, Nonfiction, Ancient History, Romania

48 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 1982

Reviews

[Joe Krakovsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

ROME'S ENEMIES: GERMANS AND DACIANS gave a brief overview of just who these people referred to as Germans were and where they came from. Also covered is the race, or tribe, known as the Dacians. The Germans are still with us but the Dacians were wiped out in their wars with Rome. There is a bit of irony in the fact that the 'Germans' were not the blond haired, blue eyed, bushy tailed warriors as idolized by Himmler during WWII but more like the Slavic tribesmen from the east. And those unfortunate Dacians were killed off not by 'Roman' Romans but rather 'Germans' and others in Roman military service!

Looking at a map in the book one can see where the broad group of people known as the Germans came from. Their tribes covered an area from the eastern boundary of the Roman Empire along the Danube to the east well past the site of the future city known as Stalingrad.

What I found interesting was in the chronology at the beginning of the book that stated "Indo-Europeans spread into northwest Europe where they settled among earlier populations of Neolithic farmers and Old Stone Age hunters." Did they wipe out the last traces of our ancient ancestors?

This western migration came in waves which sometimes resulted genocide or subjugation of the prior inhabitants. These people didn't always just come to rape and pillage but rather to find a place to put down roots. As they marched westward they took their families with them. At times they were driven west by other nomads behind them, such as the Huns.

In the glossary several explanations for the various tribes such as the Franks start out with "Germans of the ..."

While this book was full of information,I found it a chore to read at times. The author dwelt on too many fine details for such a small book.

The color plates were great!

I gave this a 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice historical overview of these tribes. Very detailed pics. Recommended

[Astor Teller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and neat overview of the German and Dacian tribes bordering the Roman Empire, covering around five hundred years (minus the Cimbri and Teutons which is seen more in a Gallic-German light). A good place to start both for the novice and the “Germanic tribe migration” buff (I didn’t know the Goths called themselves Gutthinda).