Second Battle of Tapae (Julianus's Victory)(88)
Approximate site. The pin marks a locally accepted site or a nearby anchor point, not a survey-grade position.
Same Tapae pass as 87 AD battle; pin offset for visual disambiguation
Coordinate source: latitude.to GPS coordinates of Tapae, Romania
Background
After the disaster of Fuscus, Domitian reorganized the army and sent the disciplined Tettius Julianus into Dacia. However, the revolt of Saturninus in January 89 AD and threats on other fronts forced Domitian to accept a peace favourable to the Dacians.
Campaign: Domitian's Dacian War (85–89 AD)
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Tettius Julianus successfully navigated the same pass where Fuscus had been destroyed, using disciplined infantry lines to inflict heavy losses on the Dacians. The Dacian general Vezinas feigned death to escape the battlefield. However, the victory was not decisive — Julianus halted his advance toward Sarmizegetusa due to deteriorating weather and a ruse by Decebal, who had tree trunks cut and dressed in armour to simulate a massive reserve army.
Before the Daco-Roman wars at Tapae, two battles took place: one in the year 87 and the second in 88.
Casualties & Outcome
Roman Empire achieved victory over Dacia.
The peace treaty of 89 AD: Decebal recognized as client king, Rome paid annual subsidies and provided military engineers to Dacia. Decebal used these engineers to modernize his fortifications — preparing the ground for Trajan's wars.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
A tactical Roman victory that partially restored the honour lost at the First Battle of Tapae. But geopolitical crises (the revolt of Saturninus in Germany, Marcommanic invasions) forced Domitian to accept a controversial peace treaty with Dacia in 89 AD.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Second Battle of Tapae (Julianus's Victory)?
- The Second Battle of Tapae (Julianus's Victory) took place in 88. 88 AD.
- What was the outcome of the Second Battle of Tapae (Julianus's Victory)?
- The Roman Empire were victorious against the Dacia.
- What was the significance of the Second Battle of Tapae (Julianus's Victory)?
- A tactical Roman victory that partially restored the honour lost at the First Battle of Tapae. But geopolitical crises (the revolt of Saturninus in Germany, Marcommanic invasions) forced Domitian to accept a controversial peace treaty with Dacia in 89 AD.