Who was Trajan? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Imperator Caesar Nerva Traianus Divi Nerva fili Augustus

Died At Age: 63

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Pompeia Plotina

father: Marcus Ulpius Trajanus

mother: Marcia

children: Publius Aelius Hadrianus

Born Country: Roman Empire

Emperors & Kings Ancient Roman Men

Died on: August 8, 117

place of death: Selinus, Cilicia

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1

What was Trajan most known for during his reign as Roman emperor?

Trajan was most known for his military conquests and expansion of the Roman Empire, particularly his successful campaigns in Dacia and Parthia.
2

How did Trajan's rule impact the Roman Empire's infrastructure?

Trajan's rule saw significant improvements in Roman infrastructure, including the construction of roads, bridges, and aqueducts to facilitate trade and communication across the empire.
3

What major architectural project is Trajan most associated with?

Trajan is most associated with the construction of Trajan's Column in Rome, which commemorates his victory in the Dacian Wars and serves as a historical narrative of the campaign.
4

How did Trajan's policies towards the Roman Senate differ from his predecessors?

Trajan had a more collaborative approach with the Roman Senate, seeking their input and approval for many of his decisions, which helped strengthen the relationship between the emperor and the Senate.
5

What impact did Trajan's social welfare programs have on the Roman populace?

Trajan implemented various social welfare programs, including free or subsidized food distributions and public works projects, which improved the living conditions of many Romans and contributed to his popularity among the people.

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Childhood & Early Life

Trajan was born Marcus Ulpius Traianus, on September 18, 53 AD. His birthplace, Hispania Baetica, is part of present-day Spain. He was the first Roman emperor who was born outside Italy. He belonged to a well-respected noble family in the province of Hispania.

Trajan’s mother, Marcia, was a Roman noblewoman and the sister-in-law of Roman Emperor Titus. Trajan's father was the governor of Syria.

Trajan started his military training very early in life. As a teenager, he worked in the army under his father’s command. Roman Emperor Domitian, who was known to be ruthless otherwise, was nice to Trajan, as he understood his abilities.

In 89 AD, Trajan marched to Rhine to help Domitian fight against the rebel German governor, Saturninus. Although the battle was won even before Trajan arrived on the battleground, Domitian still decided to honor him. He was bestowed with the honor of praetor in 85 AD and with the honor of consul in 91 AD.

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Rise to Power

In 96 AD, Domitian was assassinated and Nerva took his place as the ruler of the Roman Empire. Nerva, who was otherwise known as a very weak ruler, acted smartly and made Trajan the governor of Northern Germany. It was a well-calculated move by Nerva, as it earned him the respect of the military that consisted of blind supporters of Trajan.

Nerva was still childless in 97 AD, and many people in the royal court began urging him to choose his successor as soon as possible. Trajan was in Germany when he received a letter from Nerva. In the letter, Nerva had asked him to be his adopted son. Trajan was busy handling some mutinies at that time, and he did not directly travel to Rome. He decided to complete the remaining work in Germany first.

Nerva died in 98 AD, and as he had named Trajan his successor, Trajan was called back to Rome. However, before moving back, Trajan made sure that Garcia was secure from all mutinies and that his allies were still on his side. He entered Rome on foot in 99 AD and was welcomed in a grand way by both civilians and senators.

Emperor

After becoming the ruler, Trajan chose his right-hand men very carefully. One of them was Pliny the Younger, who acted as his lawyer and author and also served as the governor of Bithynia. He corresponded with Trajan on almost every issue, and they gave way to the arrival of a golden era in the Roman Empire.

Despite the massive respect he got from the Senate, he was far from earning the tag of an absolute ruler that Domitian and Nerva had earned. Despite that, Trajan continued to prove himself to be a better ruler by introducing several new reforms in the society. He ordered the construction of several roads, public baths, and new bridges. He also eased business processes for Rome by building a modern port in Ostia.

Many people felt he followed in the footsteps of Domitian. He freed many prisoners and called back the exiles. This earned him a lot of respect, and his kingdom prospered. Historians often mention him as a thoughtful ruler. However, Trajan’s true passion was war.

Throughout his reign that lasted 19 years, Trajan was involved in several wars. Three of the most widely talked-about wars were the two wars with the Dacians and one at the eastern frontier.

His first battle after becoming the emperor was against the Dacian ruler Decebalus in 101 AD. Trajan and Decebalus had a stiff relationship since the time of Domitian. After finding the right opportunity, Trajan attacked Decebalus and defeated him in the Second Battle of Tapae. Decebalus assured peace, but he was not known as a man of his words. After he broke the peace agreement, he was once again attacked by Trajan.

Decebalus suffered a bad defeat in 105 AD, and following this, he committed suicide. His severed head was displayed to the public. Dacia thus became a part of the Roman Empire. In order to diminish chances of future revolts, half of the population of Dacia was made to flee and was replaced by Roman colonists.

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Trajan returned to Rome after attaining this major victory, and as part of the celebration, he organized a series of grand gladiator matches that involved over ten thousand gladiators and caused the slaughter of about eleven thousand animals.

Under his reign, his kingdom was peaceful for the next few years. However, there were issues that required Trajan’s direct attention. One such trouble was brewing in Armenia, a buffer state of the Roman Empire. The Parthians ignored the Romans and gave the throne to one of their own.

Infuriated by this treasonous act, Trajan embarked on a military campaign to Armenia and quickly showed the Parthians their place by making Armenia a Roman province yet again. Trajan did not return to Rome after that. Instead, he headed east with his army and conquered Mesopotamia on the way. Soon, the Roman Empire had grown larger than ever, stretching from Scotland to the Caspian Sea.

However, the Mesopotamians retaliated. Their attack was strong, and Trajan had no other option but to retreat to Armenia. During the battle, Trajan almost lost his life. One of his bodyguards got killed while saving him.

Death & Legacy

In 117 AD, the Jewish people revolted, and the revolution spread to Egypt and Cyprus. Soon, the revolt reached the northern frontiers and Trajan was made to retreat to Rome. However, he never made it back. During his trip back, he fell seriously ill and died on August 9, 117 AD. His body was taken back to Rome, and his cremation took place as per Roman rituals. His body was cremated and was buried at ‘Trajan’s Column.’

Trajan was known as a righteous ruler and a noble man. Centuries have passed and historians have still not found any evidence that suggests he had committed any evil deed.

Personal Life

Trajan married Pompeia Plotina, and unlike many other Roman rulers, he remained loyal to her till the very end of his life.

Trajan never had any children of his own, and after his death, he was succeeded by his adopted son, Hadrian.

Facts About Trajan

Trajan was known for his love of animals and often kept a variety of exotic pets at his villa, including lions, elephants, and even a giraffe.

Despite being a powerful emperor, Trajan was said to have a great sense of humor and enjoyed playing practical jokes on his friends and advisors.

Trajan was a skilled engineer and oversaw the construction of many impressive architectural projects, including Trajan's Column in Rome.

Trajan was a prolific writer and corresponded with many important figures of his time, showcasing his intellectual curiosity and passion for learning.

Trajan was known for his generosity towards the people of Rome, often distributing funds and resources to support public works and charitable initiatives.

Trajan Biography

You wanted to know

What was Trajan most known for during his reign as Roman emperor?

How did Trajan's rule impact the Roman Empire's infrastructure?

What major architectural project is Trajan most associated with?

How did Trajan's policies towards the Roman Senate differ from his predecessors?

What impact did Trajan's social welfare programs have on the Roman populace?