Trajan launches his first campaign in 101, and forces Decebalus to sue for peace.

Within a few years, however, Decebalus breaks the treaty, and in 105 Trajan begins a second campaign.

This time, the Roman legions penetrate to the heart of Transylvania and storm the Getian capital, Sarmizegetusa (present-day Grădiștea de Munt); Decebalus and his officers commit suicide by drinking hemlock before the Romans can capture them.

Rome memorializes the victory by raising Trajan's Column, whose bas-reliefs show scenes of the triumph.