TRAJAN
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Marcus Ulpius Trajanus, or Trajan, was born on the 18th September, AD 52, in Italica, near Seville, Spain. Trajan’s father, who was also called Marcus Ulpius Trajanus, was high up in the military, and was in charge of the Tenth Legion in the Jewish war which took place in AD 67. Trajan’s father became governor of Syria, a very importance place in terms of military power, in AD 75.
Trajan served in the military in Syria whilst his father was governor there. Trajan was successful whilst in the military and quickly moved up the ranks. Trajan took command of the seventh legion based in Leon, northern Spain in AD 85, and he was praised by Domitian, the Roman Emperor at the time, for his quick thinking, and swift actions. Trajan was elected as consul by Domitian in AD 91. Domitian’s successor Nerva made Trajan governor of Upper Germany in AD 96. In AD 79, Trajan was adopted by Nerva. The adoption was completed for purely political reasons because Nerva wanted a powerful and popular heir, such as Trajan, in order to improve his authority over the empire, and especially over the Roman army. |
Trajan
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Nerva died in AD 98; however, Trajan did not rush back to Rome to take over the thrown. It was not until AD 99 that Trajan returned to become emperor. When he did so, Trajan was the first emperor not to have come from Italy, however his family was originally from Italy, and they just chose to move to Spain before Trajan was born. Trajan was a very popular emperor, and unlike any before him, when he entered Rome to take to the thrown he walked amongst ordinary people- considered to be a very modest and open act, that helped him gain much support.
During Trajan’s reign he was considered a fair and right leader. He also aimed to keep the senate informed about governmental affairs- something that previous Emperors had failed to do. During Trajan’s rule there were a number of public works completed, for example the road network was much expanded and renovated. Trajan also implemented schemes to help the poor- some of the systems continued for over 200 years after Trajan’s reign.
Trajan lost some favour when revolts started again amongst the Jews. At a similar time, Trajan suffered from a number of circulatory problems, which may have been due to poison. Trajan suffered a stroke and died shortly after on the 9th August AD 117.
During Trajan’s reign he was considered a fair and right leader. He also aimed to keep the senate informed about governmental affairs- something that previous Emperors had failed to do. During Trajan’s rule there were a number of public works completed, for example the road network was much expanded and renovated. Trajan also implemented schemes to help the poor- some of the systems continued for over 200 years after Trajan’s reign.
Trajan lost some favour when revolts started again amongst the Jews. At a similar time, Trajan suffered from a number of circulatory problems, which may have been due to poison. Trajan suffered a stroke and died shortly after on the 9th August AD 117.