Chapter 5: Dacian Society

Dacian's were divided into two classes: the aristocracy (tarabostes) and the common people (comati). The aristocracy alone had the right to cover their heads and wore a felt hat (hence pileati, their Latin name).  The second class, who comprised the rank and file of the army, the peasants and artisans, might have been called capillati (in Latin). Their appearance and clothing can be seen on Trajan's Column. Dacian's had developed the Murus Dacicus (which is something like the a lot more known Wall of Hadrian in the UK), characteristic of their complexes of fortified cities, like their capital Sarmisegetusa Regia, whom I shall cover soon. The degree of Dacian urban development can be seen on Trajan's Column and in the account of how Sarmisegetusa was defeated by the Romans. They had a chance only after identifying the pipeline of the Dacia capital.   Judging by the fact that so many of their walls and structures are still intact, and that there are certain limestone structures build out of 20t blocks, I would even be so bold to say that they're architects were probably real professionals who knew exactly what they were doing, just like their ''friends'' in  Egypt and some other nice places. The cities of the Dacians were known as Dava, Daua, Deva, Deba or Daba.  Here are a couple of city names from Dacia: Acidava, Burridava, Dokidava, Carsidava, Clepidava, Cumidava, Netindava, Patridava, Pelendava, Piroburidava, Rhamidava, Rusidava, Sacidava, Singidava, Setidava,  Tamasidava, Utidava, Zargidava, Ziridava, Sucidava ...  I have noticed taking a look at different city plans and altogether various cartography displayed in museums that almost all influent urban settlements had a sanctuary somewhere close by, in a, probably, God designated place. Faith was a very important issue for them. They depicted its various aspects on by means of their craftsmanship, starting from pottery and reaching out to jewels. And I also think their faith and rituals have common aspects with the egyptian and indian one. I have encountered many names and symbols that point out to that... we will get to that at a later time.... but for starters take a look at those city names... you just might get the feeling at least in a couple of cases that they've got a kind of ''indian''/ ''egyptian'' ring to them... or is it just me?