Dacia was situated over the empire's natural borders. It was surrounded by native tribes inhabiting the regions of Crișana, Maramureș, and Moldavia, which are now integral part of Romania, but were never annexed by the Romans. Dacia province was plundered by neighboring tribes, including the Carpians and Sarmatians from the 230s, and by the Goths from the 250s. As the frontiers were to be shortened for defensive purposes, the withdrawal of the Roman legions from Dacia began in the 260s. The province officially ceased to exist under Emperor Aurelian (270–275) who "withdrew the Romans from the cities and countryside of Dacia". Garrisons stationed in Drobeta and Sucidava remained on the northern bank of the river.