Therians/Weres and vampires everywhere have heard to some degree of the animosity that supposedly exists between the two parties. Most will admit that the source of their claim is from various forms of media, such as Underworld. Others try to stake claim on an obscure war in the past, stating that this is what caused the rift between these two creatures. And, yes, people who tend to believe this way also have a habit of believing that therians and vampires do not reside in a human body. Personal beliefs cannot be outright attacked, not without resulting in a game of tug of war, but historical fact can be challenged. The war these misconceived people turn to is the Trajanic Wars, or more correctly the war between Rome and the Dacian civilization.

Rome, at the time of the last of these wars, was led by Trajan—hence the name Trajanic War (though, it is more accurately called Dacian Wars by most historians). Trajan was considered a great military leader and through his attack on Dacia and, later, Parthia he managed to push the Roman Empire to the farthest that it would reach in its history.

The first of the Dacian Wars lasted from 101-102 AD. There were clashes earlier, dating as far back as 82 BC. The Emperor Domitian led Rome into the first war against Dacia. The Romans were initially defeated, but revived and fought back shortly afterward. After a few short battles, peace was declared.

The second Dacian War occurred in a fashion that resembles wars of today: it was fueled by the promise of gold. Due to the fact that Emperor Nero had practically drained the Empire of resources and had cut funding for the military, the idea of taking over a land rich in resources was rather grand. It was as Rome was preparing for war that Trajan became Emperor, in the year 101 AD. At this time the Romans put their architectural abilities to use by building bridges and columns to aid the armies as they fought their Dacian enemies. The war only last a few months, with Rome coming out as victorious.

With their peace agreement, a man by the name of Decebalus was given resources to reinforce Rome’s control over Dacia. Instead of honoring the agreement, he used the money and tools to strengthen Dacia as an independent empire. Shortly after this, revolts were occurring in Dacia against the Romans and the people of Dacia began to pillage Roman colonies near the Dacian border.

Eventually, Rome had to retaliate. This started the last Dacian War. In the end, Dacia bended to Rome’s will and handed over full control.

The land conquered by Rome would eventually develop the Romanian language and culture, a very culture that is connected to the lore of vampires and werewolves. Perhaps this is where the idea that these wars were where a great betrayal occurred, rendering werewolves and vampires enemies for all time.

Well, the truth of the matter is that vampires did not rule the land of Dacia as so many claim and they did not betray their servant werewolves to the human Romans, nor did any other variant of this story occur. The idea that it did is nothing more than fable. To claim it as fact is to offend history and the true facts that are available.