Trajan

Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Trajanus) , c.AD 53-AD 117, Roman emperor (AD 98-AD 117). Born in Spain, he was the first non-Italian to become head of the empire. Trajan served in the East, in Germany, and in Spain. He was adopted in AD 97 by Emperor Nerva , who died shortly afterward. A capable man, Trajan set about strengthening his regime by embarking on an aggressive foreign policy. In two wars against Dacia he brought that region, the parent of modern Romania, under Roman control. This conquest is commemorated by the sculptured Trajan's Column, which stands in the Forum of Trajan in Rome. Trajan then annexed Arabia Petraea, and in three campaigns he conquered the greater part of the Parthian empire, including Armenia and Upper Mesopotamia. On his way home from this campaign, he died in Cilicia. He was succeeded by Hadrian. Trajan was an able military organizer and civic administrator. He partially drained the Pontine Marshes and restored the Appian Way, and at Rome he built an aqueduct, a theater, and the immense Forum of Trajan, containing basilicas and libraries.

Bibliography: See F. A. Lepper, Trajan's Parthian War (1948); L. Rossi, Trajan's Column and the Dacian Wars (1972).

Trajan (c.53–117 ad), Roman emperor 98–117. His reign is noted for the many public works undertaken and for the Dacian wars (101–6), which ended in the annexation of Dacia as a province, and which are illustrated on Trajan's Column in Rome.
Arch of Trajan a monumental arch at Benevento, decreed or dedicated c. 115 ad, and showing Trajan's achievements at home and abroad.
Trajan's Column a monument erected 106–113 ad in Rome, commemorating his successful Dacian campaign; his ashes were deposited at its base.

Trajan (born Marcus Ulpius Traianus) (c.53–117 AD) Roman emperor (98–117). Born in Spain, he was adopted by Nerva as his successor. Trajan's reign is noted for the DACIAN WARS (101–06), which ended in the annexation of Dacia as a province; the campaigns are illustrated on Trajan's Column in Rome. He was also an efficient administrator and many public works were undertaken during his reign.