Trajan

TRAIANUS PATER RIC II 764-711445

Perge - Trajan

Nerva Tivoli Massimo

INC-1573-a Ауреус Траян ок. 116-117 гг. (аверс)

CVT APX Amphitheater Traiansstatue

Traianus Glyptothek Munich 72

Trajan (18 September 53 – 8 August 117 AD) was Roman Emperor from 98 AD until his death. Officially declared by the Senate as optimus princeps ("the best ruler"), Trajan is remembered as a successful soldier-emperor who presided over the greatest military expansion in Roman history, leading the empire to attain its maximum territorial extent by the time of his death. He is also known for his philanthropic rule, overseeing extensive public building programs and social welfare policies. Trajan was the second of the Five Good Emperors who governed the Roman Empire from 96 to 180 AD, and is also noted for his efforts in implementing the Trajan's Forum, Trajan's Market, and Trajan's Column in Rome, among other constructions.

Early Life

Trajan was born in the city of Italica, in the province of Hispania Baetica in the Roman Empire. His father was a distinguished general and served as a consul, which paved the way for Trajan's entry into a military career. Trajan rose through the ranks, serving in various military and political roles before being adopted by his predecessor, Emperor Nerva, who was in need of a suitable heir.

Military Campaigns

Trajan's military campaigns are among the most celebrated in Roman history. He conducted successful operations in the Dacian Wars, which expanded the empire's boundaries to the Danube River. Following his victory in Dacia, Trajan turned his attention to the East, where he waged a campaign against the Parthian Empire, capturing the capital Ctesiphon and annexing the kingdom of Armenia.

Public Works and Administration

Trajan's rule is also notable for his extensive public building programs in Rome and across the empire. He commissioned the construction of Trajan's Forum, which included the Trajan's Market, considered to be the world's first shopping mall. Trajan also built aqueducts, bridges, and roads, improving infrastructure and connectivity within the empire. His administration was marked by efforts to improve the welfare of his subjects, including the implementation of a welfare program known as the alimenta, which provided state funds to assist poor children throughout Italy.

Death and Succession

Trajan died in 117 AD after falling ill while returning from his campaigns in the East. He was succeeded by his adopted son, Hadrian, who continued many of his policies. Trajan's ashes were laid to rest beneath Trajan's Column, which remains one of the most enduring monuments of his reign.

Legacy

Trajan is remembered as one of Rome's greatest emperors. His reign marked the zenith of the Roman Empire in terms of territorial expansion and prosperity. The Senate's declaration of him as optimus princeps reflects the high esteem in which he was held during and after his lifetime. His successful military campaigns, public works projects, and welfare policies have left a lasting legacy on the Roman Empire and its history.