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Trajan was a Roman Emperor, and the second of the “five good emperors,” who reigned from 98 AD until his death in 117 AD. Trajan served as a general in the Roman army, and helped to crush the revolt of Antonius Saturninus in 89 AD. He also led military campaigns in Dacia and Parthia, which contributed to the first large-scale expansion of Roman territory since Augustus. Born into a non-patrician family, he rose to prominence during the reign of Emperor Domitian. He was adopted by Domitian’s successor Nerva, an unpopular and childless senator, and became Emperor after Nerva’s death in 98.
Trajan is best known for his extensive public building program, which reshaped the city of Rome and left multiple enduring landmarks such as Trajan's Forum, Trajan's Market and, most famously, Trajan's Column. Trajan’s Column is one of the most recognized monuments of ancient Rome. This 98-foot tall column contains a frieze commemorating Trajan’s victory in Dacia. Trajan’s ashes were buried under its square base.
Trajan is also well-known as the “optimus princeps,” or the “best emperor.” There are many surviving records of his correspondence with Pliny the Younger, and he is universally praised by ancient sources for his benevolent personality and accomplishments. It was under Trajan’s rule that Tacitus was able to write his famous histories of Rome.
Trajan died of a stroke in 117 AD and was succeeded by his adoptive son Hadrian.
Trajan is best known for his extensive public building program, which reshaped the city of Rome and left multiple enduring landmarks such as Trajan's Forum, Trajan's Market and, most famously, Trajan's Column. Trajan’s Column is one of the most recognized monuments of ancient Rome. This 98-foot tall column contains a frieze commemorating Trajan’s victory in Dacia. Trajan’s ashes were buried under its square base.
Trajan is also well-known as the “optimus princeps,” or the “best emperor.” There are many surviving records of his correspondence with Pliny the Younger, and he is universally praised by ancient sources for his benevolent personality and accomplishments. It was under Trajan’s rule that Tacitus was able to write his famous histories of Rome.
Trajan died of a stroke in 117 AD and was succeeded by his adoptive son Hadrian.
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Trajan Books
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98 AD
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28 Jan 98 AD - 7 Aug 117 ADRule of Roman Emperor Trajan.
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113 ADTrajan’s column is constructed in Rome.
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116 AD
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