The history of Thracian warfare spans from the 10th century BC up to the 1st century AD in the region defined by Ancient Greek and Latin historians as Thrace. It concerns the armed conflicts of the Thracian tribes and their kingdoms in the Balkans. Apart from conflicts between Thracians and neighboring nations and tribes, numerous wars were recorded among Thracian tribes.
Thracian peltast, 5th to 4th century BC.
The Sica, the national weapon of the Thracians
Phrygian or Thracian type helmet. Unusual having a nasal in place of the usual peak.
Chalcidian type helmets worn by Thracians, mid-4th century BC and older forms
The sica is a short sword or large dagger of ancient Illyrians, Thracians, and Dacians, it was also used in Ancient Rome. It was originally depicted as a curved sword and many examples have been found in what are today Croatia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Romania. It is also depicted on Trajan's Column; notably the Dacian king Decebalus is depicted dying by suicide with one.
Outline of a sica
Scabbard for a sica from the Dacian warrior tomb of Cugir, dated 1st century BC. Fragments of the helmet and other inventory pieces are also seen on the right side. In display at the National Museum of the Union, Alba Iulia, Romania
Suicide of Decebalus, from Trajan's Column