Bellum Dardanicum


The Bellum Dardanicum was a Roman military campaign against the Dardani, a Thracian-Illyrian tribe inhabiting the region of Dardania. The war formed part of Rome’s efforts to secure the northern frontier of the province of Macedonia.

Background

After the dissolution of the Macedonian kingdom in 168 BC, the Dardani repeatedly raided the Roman province of Macedonia. These incursions intensified during the Third Mithridatic War, when Roman forces were preoccupied in Asia Minor. Together with the Scordisci and other neighbouring tribes, the Dardani exploited the power vacuum to launch major raids southward.

The war

In 75 BC, the proconsul of Macedonia, Gaius [Scribonius Curio (consul 76 BC)|Gaius Scribonius Curio], launched a punitive expedition into Dardanian territory. Ancient sources claim he became the first Roman commander to reach the Danube.
The campaign continued under Curio until 73 BC and was resumed in 72–71 BC by his successor, Marcus [Terentius Varro Lucullus]. Marcus Lucullus inflicted a decisive defeat on the Dardani and also campaigned against the Bessi in Thrace, celebrating a triumph in 71 BC.

Aftermath

Rome achieved a tactical victory and imposed tribute and submission on the Dardani, but did not annex the region. Dardanian raids resumed periodically. Full conquest was only achieved in 29–28 BC by Marcus [Licinius Crassus (consul 30 BC)|Marcus Licinius Crassus] during Augustus’s Illyrian wars, after which Dardania was incorporated into the new province of Moesia.

Ancient sources