The life of Trajan
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Marcus Ulpius Traianus
Caesar Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus (after adoption) Imperator Caesar Nerva Traianus Divi Nervae filius Augustus (as emperor) 18 September 53 AD - Italica, Hispania 8 August 117 AD - Selinus, Cilicia (aged 63) Natural Causes 27 January 98 AD– 8 August 117 AD (19 years, 7 months) Nerva-Antonine Nerva Hadrian |
Early Life
Marcus Ulpius Traianus was born on 18 September 53 AD in Italica, in the province of Hispania Baetica. His family was well established and had moved to the region in the 3rd century BC. His mother and father were influential figures in Roman society. His mother had family links to the emperor Titus and his father was a distinguished general and senator.
Trajan himself would follow in his father's footsteps and join Rome's military, where he quickly rose through the ranks after proving himself a capable and effective leader in some challenging war zones across the empire. From 76-77 he served in Syria, while his father was governor there, and later was transferred to the Rhine. Around this time Trajan also became the guardian of the future emperor Hadrian after his father had died. In 91 Trajan was appointed as consul for the year, likely thanks to his own great achievements and the influence of his father. He also married to a woman called Pompeia Plotina at this time, although they never had children.
Trajan's true rise to power came in 97 when he was adopted by the emperor Nerva as his successor. Nerva had managed to win over the Senate and the public during his brief reign, but he needed the military on his side, and so he chose Trajan who was hugely popular. Some argue that Nerva had little choice in the matter however, as his popularity and authority was declining to an extent where Trajan was the only person who could ensure a peaceful transition of power.
Trajan served as governor of Germania Inferior during the latter part of Nerva's reign and was granted the title of Germanicus for his efforts in keeping the troublesome province in check. Soon after this appointment Nerva passed away from complications due to a stroke and fever. As expected, the transition of power was peaceful and unopposed. Trajan did not journey to Rome immediately however. He instead did a tour of the provinces of the Rhineland, ensuring he had the support of the military before assuming his office in Rome.
Trajan himself would follow in his father's footsteps and join Rome's military, where he quickly rose through the ranks after proving himself a capable and effective leader in some challenging war zones across the empire. From 76-77 he served in Syria, while his father was governor there, and later was transferred to the Rhine. Around this time Trajan also became the guardian of the future emperor Hadrian after his father had died. In 91 Trajan was appointed as consul for the year, likely thanks to his own great achievements and the influence of his father. He also married to a woman called Pompeia Plotina at this time, although they never had children.
Trajan's true rise to power came in 97 when he was adopted by the emperor Nerva as his successor. Nerva had managed to win over the Senate and the public during his brief reign, but he needed the military on his side, and so he chose Trajan who was hugely popular. Some argue that Nerva had little choice in the matter however, as his popularity and authority was declining to an extent where Trajan was the only person who could ensure a peaceful transition of power.
Trajan served as governor of Germania Inferior during the latter part of Nerva's reign and was granted the title of Germanicus for his efforts in keeping the troublesome province in check. Soon after this appointment Nerva passed away from complications due to a stroke and fever. As expected, the transition of power was peaceful and unopposed. Trajan did not journey to Rome immediately however. He instead did a tour of the provinces of the Rhineland, ensuring he had the support of the military before assuming his office in Rome.
Reign
As many of his predecessors had done, Trajan donated a sum of money to all members of the public and the military - he granted less to the military than Nerva did, however. He also made great attempts to hold good relations with the Senate, who had been at great odds with the emperor Domitian some years before. In 100 Trajan made a point of asking the Senate to aid him in his rule of the empire, to appear that he still held traditional republican values. In truth, he did not share much power with the Senate, it was only important to make it look like he was. If anything, he actually reduced the Senate's power by removing their control of certain provinces, such Bithynia and Achaea, and placing them under imperial rule once again.
According to Pliny, Trajan became a good emperor by setting standards for morality that Roman's should follow, rather than trying to rule through oppression and fear. He was certainly as popular as an emperor as he had been before, the Senate even granted him the title of 'optimus' or 'the best'.
According to Pliny, Trajan became a good emperor by setting standards for morality that Roman's should follow, rather than trying to rule through oppression and fear. He was certainly as popular as an emperor as he had been before, the Senate even granted him the title of 'optimus' or 'the best'.
Early Military Conquests
Soon after taking office Trajan looked to the east and sought to conquer lands for the Roman Empire. The first to fall would be the kingdom of Dacia - which had been a thorn in Rome's side for many years. After negotiations with Domitian some years earlier the Dacian kingdom received an annual tribute from Rome, and in return Rome was allowed to move troops through its territory to conquer other lands. However, Dacia was seen by many to have got a far better deal, and they were not bound by an alliance with Rome, if they wished they could ally with foreign powers and be a potential threat. This was all the motivation Trajan needed to attack the kingdom.
The attack on Dacia begun in May 101. Trajan's forces scored a victory over the Dacian army at Tapae, but lost many soldiers in the process, forcing the campaign to be postponed until the following year. The Dacian's attempted a counterattack which was repelled by Trajan. In 102, he marched an army into Dacian territory and eventually forced them to submit to Roman rule. Trajan returned to Rome a hero, and celebrated a triumph for his victory. He was also granted the title of Dacicus.
Peace would not last for long, the Dacian king Decebalus attempted to stir rebellion in the region and in 104 he was a main driving force behind a conspiracy to assassinate Trajan. In 105, after the attempt on Trajan's life had failed, he invaded the Roman territory north of the Danube. In response, Trajan brought half of the Roman military to the borders of Dacia - some 14 legions. He then proceeded to build an enormous bridge across the Danube, allowing him to transport a huge number of soldiers across it at any one time. Later in 105 Trajan was ready to invade Dacian territory. The Roman forces took each Dacian fortress one by one until Decebalus was cornered, opting for suicide rather than capture. With this, Dacia finally fell under Roman control and peace ensued.
After the Dacian wars had ended Trajan's forces moved into Nabataea and annexed it in 107. The reason for this is still unknown, it might have been as a result of the king of Nabataea dying one year prior. Rome soldiers moved into Petra and Bostra in order to maintain Roman dominion over the kingdom. Once the annexation was complete, Rome had full control over all the eastern provinces.
The attack on Dacia begun in May 101. Trajan's forces scored a victory over the Dacian army at Tapae, but lost many soldiers in the process, forcing the campaign to be postponed until the following year. The Dacian's attempted a counterattack which was repelled by Trajan. In 102, he marched an army into Dacian territory and eventually forced them to submit to Roman rule. Trajan returned to Rome a hero, and celebrated a triumph for his victory. He was also granted the title of Dacicus.
Peace would not last for long, the Dacian king Decebalus attempted to stir rebellion in the region and in 104 he was a main driving force behind a conspiracy to assassinate Trajan. In 105, after the attempt on Trajan's life had failed, he invaded the Roman territory north of the Danube. In response, Trajan brought half of the Roman military to the borders of Dacia - some 14 legions. He then proceeded to build an enormous bridge across the Danube, allowing him to transport a huge number of soldiers across it at any one time. Later in 105 Trajan was ready to invade Dacian territory. The Roman forces took each Dacian fortress one by one until Decebalus was cornered, opting for suicide rather than capture. With this, Dacia finally fell under Roman control and peace ensued.
After the Dacian wars had ended Trajan's forces moved into Nabataea and annexed it in 107. The reason for this is still unknown, it might have been as a result of the king of Nabataea dying one year prior. Rome soldiers moved into Petra and Bostra in order to maintain Roman dominion over the kingdom. Once the annexation was complete, Rome had full control over all the eastern provinces.
Pax Romana
Following the annexation of Nabataea the Roman Empire experienced seven years of peace. Trajan instead focused his efforts on maintaining and repairing old public buildings and roads, as well as commissioning new projects. To celebrate his victory in Dacia he began construction of a new complex which hosted a new forum as well as Trajan's Column and Trajan's market, both of which can still be seen today.
Trajan also celebrated his victory in Dacia by holding a grand celebratory event that lasted for 3 months. The colosseum was host to numerous gladiatorial games, chariot racing and exotic animals from across the Empire and beyond. It is said that over 5 million people spectated or took part in the event over the 3-month period.
During this peaceful period Trajan introduced a new welfare initiative called the alimenta which aimed to help poor families as well as orphaned children. The alimenta gave children a chance to get a good education at cheaper rates as well as free food and monetary handouts. Trajan paid for the welfare program through the riches gained from conquering Dacia, and later he funded it through taxes on the rich. The program, while well-intentioned, did not have the success Trajan had hoped for, as it only managed to cover children in Italy - not the rest of the empire. Despite its lack of tangible success, the program lasted for 150 years, into the reign of Aurelian.
Trajan also celebrated his victory in Dacia by holding a grand celebratory event that lasted for 3 months. The colosseum was host to numerous gladiatorial games, chariot racing and exotic animals from across the Empire and beyond. It is said that over 5 million people spectated or took part in the event over the 3-month period.
During this peaceful period Trajan introduced a new welfare initiative called the alimenta which aimed to help poor families as well as orphaned children. The alimenta gave children a chance to get a good education at cheaper rates as well as free food and monetary handouts. Trajan paid for the welfare program through the riches gained from conquering Dacia, and later he funded it through taxes on the rich. The program, while well-intentioned, did not have the success Trajan had hoped for, as it only managed to cover children in Italy - not the rest of the empire. Despite its lack of tangible success, the program lasted for 150 years, into the reign of Aurelian.
War in Parthia
In 113 Rome's years of peace came to an end as it once again went to war with its ancient enemy - Parthia. Parthia had recently had a new king ascend to the throne, one that threatened Rome's safety and left them no choice but to attack. Some historians have argued Trajan's motives for war was more about boosting economic prosperity for Rome rather than safeguarding its provinces. Others argue it was simply a matter of conquest and glory, to destroy the enemies of Rome and absorb their territories. Another to add to Trajan's growing list of annexed provinces.
The actual conflict would not begin until 115 when Trajan's forces entered Mesopotamia, marching towards the Taurus mountains and constructing fortifications along the way. Trajan ordered his troops to engage in a pincer attack on Parthia, swiftly capturing Nisbis and Batnae in northern Mesopotamia. In addition to these two cities, Trajan also captured the Kingdom of Osrhoene. King Abgaros VII of Osrhoene openly swore fealty to Rome and by 116 the kingdom subsequently became a territory of the Roman Empire. Trajan was quick to fortify the kingdom with bastions to defend against possible Parthian invasions.
In 116 Trajan was ready to begin a new campaign to conquer all of Mesopotamia. Such a victory would grant Rome greater control over the eastern trade routes, reducing import costs drastically. Trajan's forces quickly marched on Seleucia and the capital city of the Parthian Empire, Ctesiphon, capturing both in the process. Shortly after this he made his way towards the city of Charax, which quickly submitted to Trajan, adding Babylon to the list of Roman provinces.
Trajan then sent a letter to the Senate claiming that his war in the East was ending and that he was too old to continue the campaign. No more attempts would be made to conquer more territory in the region. However, just as Trajan was to journey back to Rome an uprising broke out in Parthia, led by their new king. The cities of Nisibis and Edessa were the first to be recaptured by Roman forces. Eventually Trajan was able to retake Seleucia and remove the new Parthian king from power, replacing him with one who would be more easily controlled by Rome.
While overseeing a siege of the city of Hatra it is possible that Trajan suffered a heat stroke causing him to fall ill. Soon after more uprisings broke out in Egypt, Cyprus and Cyrene. Trajan had no choice but to withdraw most of his forces from Mesopotamia in order to deal with the uprisings. He started his journey back to Rome and gave command of the military forces to the governor of Judaea, Lusius Quietus, who eventually ended up successfully ending the revolts.
The actual conflict would not begin until 115 when Trajan's forces entered Mesopotamia, marching towards the Taurus mountains and constructing fortifications along the way. Trajan ordered his troops to engage in a pincer attack on Parthia, swiftly capturing Nisbis and Batnae in northern Mesopotamia. In addition to these two cities, Trajan also captured the Kingdom of Osrhoene. King Abgaros VII of Osrhoene openly swore fealty to Rome and by 116 the kingdom subsequently became a territory of the Roman Empire. Trajan was quick to fortify the kingdom with bastions to defend against possible Parthian invasions.
In 116 Trajan was ready to begin a new campaign to conquer all of Mesopotamia. Such a victory would grant Rome greater control over the eastern trade routes, reducing import costs drastically. Trajan's forces quickly marched on Seleucia and the capital city of the Parthian Empire, Ctesiphon, capturing both in the process. Shortly after this he made his way towards the city of Charax, which quickly submitted to Trajan, adding Babylon to the list of Roman provinces.
Trajan then sent a letter to the Senate claiming that his war in the East was ending and that he was too old to continue the campaign. No more attempts would be made to conquer more territory in the region. However, just as Trajan was to journey back to Rome an uprising broke out in Parthia, led by their new king. The cities of Nisibis and Edessa were the first to be recaptured by Roman forces. Eventually Trajan was able to retake Seleucia and remove the new Parthian king from power, replacing him with one who would be more easily controlled by Rome.
While overseeing a siege of the city of Hatra it is possible that Trajan suffered a heat stroke causing him to fall ill. Soon after more uprisings broke out in Egypt, Cyprus and Cyrene. Trajan had no choice but to withdraw most of his forces from Mesopotamia in order to deal with the uprisings. He started his journey back to Rome and gave command of the military forces to the governor of Judaea, Lusius Quietus, who eventually ended up successfully ending the revolts.
Death & Legacy
Trajan would never back it back to Rome, in 117 he reached Selinus but his health worsened. On 8 August Trajan died from suspected edema and his ashes were later interred at the base of Trajan's column in Rome. It is rumoured that Trajan's wife kept his death a secret, and instead had someone impersonate him from behind a curtain in order to appoint Hadrian as his successor. Some historians argue Trajan had already adopted Hadrian as his heir.
Trajan's reign had lasted 19 years, an incredible feat that had not been seen since the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius, who reigns for 40 and 22 years respectively. Hadrian become Rome's next emperor and would reign for a little over 20 years. One of Hadrian's firsts acts would be to abandon Roman control of Mesopotamia, which he correctly saw as an indefensible province that would only cause Rome further problems if held on to. All other territories were maintained however.
Under Trajan the Roman Empire grew to it's largest ever extent, conquering large swathes of new territory and boosting the population of the empire. His reputation has remained throughout the ages, and he was always mentioned when a new emperor was inauguration in the phrase Felicior Augusto, melior Traiano, translating to 'be more fortunate than Augustus and better than Trajan'. He is remembered as being a brilliant military commander, as well as a wise and thoughtful ruler.
Trajan's reign had lasted 19 years, an incredible feat that had not been seen since the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius, who reigns for 40 and 22 years respectively. Hadrian become Rome's next emperor and would reign for a little over 20 years. One of Hadrian's firsts acts would be to abandon Roman control of Mesopotamia, which he correctly saw as an indefensible province that would only cause Rome further problems if held on to. All other territories were maintained however.
Under Trajan the Roman Empire grew to it's largest ever extent, conquering large swathes of new territory and boosting the population of the empire. His reputation has remained throughout the ages, and he was always mentioned when a new emperor was inauguration in the phrase Felicior Augusto, melior Traiano, translating to 'be more fortunate than Augustus and better than Trajan'. He is remembered as being a brilliant military commander, as well as a wise and thoughtful ruler.
Trivia
- Trajan's family moved to Hispania at an unknown time, but it is likely they married the locals and ended up losing their Roman citizenship, only to recover it later in the first century BC.
- His consulship in 91 was an anomaly as neither consul was part of the imperial family.
- Trajan was related to Hadrian through his cousin, P. Aelius Aefer, who was Hadrian's father. After his death Trajan became Hadrian's guardian.
- After Rome adopted Christianity as its main religion, there were legends that Pope Gregory I had resurrected Trajan and baptised him, bringing him into Christianity.
- The Emperor Decius who reigned in the third century was given Trajan's name as a decoration.
- Trajan was the second of the five good emperors.