As we have already stated, the story of Trajan’s expeditions into Dacia is recorded in the bas-reliefs of the column bearing his name and still existing in Rome.  These bas-reliefs have been subject to various readings and interpretations, but we have so far avoided referring to them under the impression that they can only be taken in a general sense to represent the exploits of Trajan, and that any attempt to extract from them the names of localities is at best a hazardous experiment.  With these reservations, however, it is safe to say that they vividly represent incidents of the campaign and bring us face to face with the warlike character and customs of the contending nations.  The progress of the expedition, as shown on the column, is divided into sections, placed one above another, and separated by stems of trees which coil round the column; in the first of these sections we see the passage of the army across the Danube over two bridges of boats.  The Roman soldiers are chiefly bareheaded, carrying their shields and helmets, and many bearing standards with eagles, images of the gods, and other devices.  Some of the objects carried are supposed to be lanterns, from which it is inferred that the passage took place at night.  In advance are the trumpeters bearing long curved horns, and the led horses of Trajan and his generals.  The last-named have already crossed the river, and Trajan is seated on a platform surrounded by his officers, haranguing his men.  Next we find ourselves in the enemy’s country, although there are no signs as yet of the Dacians, and the two succeeding sections of the column are occupied by the progress of the Roman arms.  The soldiers are felling timber, removing obstructions, and building forts and bridges, over all of which operations Trajan is seen to preside in person.  In the fourth division the Dacians appear, suing for peace; the emissaries are clad in long robes, and Trajan meets them outside a fort.  Then follow further incidents in the campaign; encounters take place between the opposing forces, in which the Dacians are defeated and their dead lie scattered on the ground.  They are then seen retreating with their women and children, devastating the country and slaying their cattle which are heaped up in piles.  Trajan is again present, sparing the old men, women, and children, and making prisoners.  Now the Dacians are the attacking party, and the Romans defend themselves behind forts; and then again the army is in motion with Trajan at its head, crossing rivers, and erecting fortifications.  In the next section the Dacians have made a stand, and the scene represents a pitched battle in which they are again defeated with great slaughter.  All the incidents of the fight are vividly depicted:  Romans fighting from their chariots, Dacians and their allies mounted and on foot, prisoners brought in, and a man, apparently a spy, bound before Trajan himself.  Then follows a further advance, which occupies some of the succeeding