Dacia Superior

Roman department, Europe

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 21, 2026

Quick Summary

Dacia Superior was a Roman province in ancient Europe, primarily encompassing modern-day Transylvania in Romania. The Dacians, of Thracian origin, were known for their rich silver, iron, and gold mines. They developed a society with an aristocracy and a proletariat, engaging in agriculture, cattle breeding, and significant trade.1

The Dacian kingdom, unified under King Burebista, became a regional power. However, Roman expansion led to conflict. Emperor Trajan conquered Dacia in the early 2nd century CE, establishing Roman colonies and exploiting its resources. Dacia was initially a single province, but under Hadrian, it was divided into Dacia Superior and Dacia Inferior. Later, it was further divided into three provinces known as the Tres Daciae. Roman control over Dacia eventually ended around 270 CE due to barbarian incursions.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Dacia
Dacia Superior comprised Transylvania, under a praetorian legate and supported by a single legion at Apulum (Alba Iulia), while Dacia Inferior—in what was afterward Walachia—was governed by a procurator. In 159 Antoninus Pius redivided the area into three provinces, the
Read More
Dacia Superior comprised Transylvania, under a praetorian legate and supported by a single legion at Apulum (Alba Iulia), while Dacia Inferior—in what was afterward Walachia—was governed by a procurator. In 159 Antoninus Pius redivided the area into three provinces, the
Read More