Introduction — Why Romans Beyond Time Matters
The fascinating history of Romania is deeply connected to ancient Rome, and few countries preserve such a direct cultural bridge with the empire. The concept of Romans Beyond Time perfectly captures this unique heritage, which continues to influence national identity even today.
From Dacia to a Roman Land
Romania is the only nation in the world whose very name literally means “Land of the Romans.” But originally, this territory was known as Dacia—yes, exactly like the car brand, named after this ancient region.
After Emperor Trajan’s famous conquest in 106 AD, Dacia became a Roman province. Trajan defeated the Dacian king Decebalus, who, as we can still see carved on Trajan’s Column in Rome, took his own life using a curved dagger.
Romans Beyond Time reminds us how this victory allowed Rome to reach its largest territorial extent: about 5 million square kilometers, an immense empire stretching across continents.
For more historical context, see:
Roman Culture Takes Root
Once incorporated into the empire, Dacia absorbed Roman laws, infrastructure, and—most importantly—the Latin language. This is why Romanian is a Romance language, closely related to Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Moreover, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the local population maintained such a strong sense of Roman identity that they continued to call themselves “Rumani”, meaning “Romans.” This cultural continuity is central to understanding Romans Beyond Time.
A remarkable written testimony, the Letter of Neacșu from Câmpulung (1521), refers to the region as “terra romanesca” — “the Roman land.”
Therefore, even a thousand years later, the people here still felt deeply Roman.
Romans Beyond Time The Birth of a National Idea
As centuries passed, intellectuals increasingly shaped a shared identity for all “Roman peoples.” By the 18th and 19th centuries, terms such as “romani” and “romania” became more widely used.
During the Romanian Revolution of 1848, the national anthem was composed:
“Deșteaptă-te, române!”
(“Awaken, Romanian!”)
Furthermore, the second verse proudly states:
“Now or never, let us show the world
that in these veins still flows Roman blood,
and that in our chests we proudly keep a name—
a name victorious in battle: the name of Trajan.”
If that isn’t national pride, then what is?
For more references:
Romans Beyond Time
The Name Becomes Official
Finally, in 1862, the unified principalities adopted the name “Românie”, officially giving birth to the modern state of Romania. This marked the culmination of a millennium-long connection with Rome — a story truly worthy of Romans Beyond Time.
