The Southern border of Romania is mostly represented by the Danube, but, 20 km far from Cernavoda, the river decides to curve towards North, before joining the Black Sea. In the piece of land formed between its course and the Bulgarian frontier there are two ancient fortresses: Capidava and Carsium.

The name “Capidava” is of Dacian origin and the Romans have preserved it, even after they conquered a great part of Dobrogea region around 30 B.C. That time, the Roman Empire had reached the right shore of the Danube and befriended a local ruler, Roles. The Romans’ ally was attacked by another Dacian chieftain, Dapyx, who had the capital of his kingdom at Capidava. The Empire reacted and sent an expedition lead by Marcus Licinius Crassus, proconsul of Macedonia and the nephew of that Crassus who shared the Triumvirate with Caesar and Pompei. The story of Dapyx’s defeat and occupation of Capidava, connected to the discovery of some human bones in a nearby cave, gave birth to a sad and heroic legend.

The Dacian king had a beautiful daughter, Gebila, and she was in love with a young nobleman, Gebeides, and he shared her feelings. The king agreed to this marriage, but the harmonious life of Capidava’s inhabitants was spoiled when two emissaries from Crassus asked Dapyx to surrender his fortress, people and wealth and to send his daughter to be married to a Roman, as a sign of loyalty.

Of course, the king refused and the Romans ravaged the country and ended up besieging Capidava. Led by Gebila, the elders, the women and children took refuge in a nearby cave and the Dacian warriors fell one by one, while defending the fortress. In the end, only two remained: the king and Gebeides. They made a lot of noise and put straw dummies on the walls, so the Romans won’t notice they are the only ones left.

Pages: Page 1 Page 2

Spread the word about Romania! Share this article and let others know about the experiences Romania has to offer.

Subscribe to Newsletter: