Page "Bastarnae" Paragraph 26

The presence of Roman forces in the Danube delta was seen as a major threat by all the neighbouring transdanubian peoples: the Peucini Bastarnae, the Sarmatians and, most importantly, by Burebista ( ruled 82-44 BC ), king of the Getae.

The Getae occupied the region today called Wallachia as well as Scythia Minor and were either a Dacian-or Thracian-speaking people.

Burebista had unified the Getan tribes into a single kingdom, for which the Greek cities were vital trade outlets.

In addition, he had established his hegemony over neighbouring Sarmatian and Bastarnae tribes.

At its peak, the Getan kingdom reportedly was able to muster 200, 000 warriors.

Burebista led his transdanubian coalition in a struggle against Roman encroachment, conducting many raids against Roman allies in Moesia and Thrace, penetrating as far as Macedonia and Illyria.