First Tapae: Ambush and Resistance

Dacia vs Rome

88 AD · Tapae, Dacia

Historical Briefing

At the First Battle of Tapae in 88 AD, the Roman general Tettius Iulianus defeated King Decebalus at the mountain gateway into Dacia during Domitian's war. The victory avenged earlier Roman disasters, but rugged terrain and trouble on other frontiers kept Rome from pressing on to the Dacian capital.

Tactical Lesson

Control the terrain and destroy Roman units to hold the pass.

Scenario Rules

  • Dacia has a Terrain advantage; both sides start with 1 unit.

Objectives

  • ★1 Win the duel
  • ★2 Control terrain for 3 turns
  • ★3 Destroy 3 Rome units

Battle Report

Tapae was bitterly contested — Dacia bled Rome for every mile of mountain.