The earliest evidence of human habitation in what is now Romania dates back to prehistoric times, but one of the first recorded mentions comes from the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. In his work Histories, Book IV, written around 440 BC, Herodotus described the Getae, a Thracian tribe residing in the region that would later become Romania. According to Herodotus, the Getae were defeated by Persian Emperor Darius the Great during his military campaign against the Scythians. This reference marks an important historical mention of the people inhabiting the area.

The Dacians, a branch of the Thracian people, are believed to have been closely related to the Getae mentioned by the Greeks. The Dacians inhabited a region known as Dacia, which included present-day Romania, Moldova, parts of northern Bulgaria, and surrounding areas. Their culture, society, and military strength developed significantly, making them a prominent force in southeastern Europe. The Dacians are often regarded as the ancestors of modern Romanians, and their legacy is a crucial element of Romanian national identity.