Decebalus
The last great Dacian king, famous for his heroic defence against the Roman Empire in the Dacian-Roman wars. He strengthened Sarmizegetusa and used diplomacy and alliances. After the final defeat, he took his own life so as not to be captured.
“He was skilled in war, knowing when to attack and when to withdraw.”
— Cassius Dio
“Better dead than a slave of Rome.”
— Symbolic quotation
“He built from ruins and ruled the mountains from the shadows.”
— Poetic image
