Ancient Greek and Roman sources record how the Getae and Dacians - the precise distinction was unclear to Roman authors - used to cross the Danube and plunder south all the way into Greece, from where they returned rich with loot. They were also hired as mercenaries, especially by the Romans, to fight against other barbarians, or in Roman civil wars. Their attacks were usually swift and bloody, and they managed to instil fear even into the hearts and minds of the people living in Rome. Unfortunately, many relevant ancient sources have been lost, so we have only a few hints regarding these raids, but no detailed accounts.
The raiding lifestyle
Plunder was the main reason for these attacks. The Greek cities on the Black Sea, in the case of the Getae, and the Roman territories in the Balkans, in the case of the Dacians, were their targets: rich places filled with various precious goods, weapons, and slaves. The Dacians launched their raids based on information regarding the presence or absence of troops in the area, and they were immensely successful.
Some of these actions might have occurred when provisions were scarce north of the Danube, perhaps due to bad crops or other reasons. The population could grow quickly and there was a need to ensure their relative welfare. Kings or commanders had to prove their courage and skill by leading these raids and returning home in glory. Another cause, especially when the numbers of warriors grew and there was the risk of political unrest, could actually be to
