Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus, commonly known as…
100 CE
Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus, commonly known as Trajan, had been born into a wealthy patrician family in the Hispania Baetica province and had risen to prominence during the reign of emperor Domitian, serving as a general in the Roman army along the German frontier, and successfully crushing the revolt of Antonius Saturninus in 89.
On September 18, 96, Domitian had been succeeded by Marcus Cocceius Nerva, an old and childless senator who proved to be unpopular with the army.
After a brief and tumultuous year in power, a revolt by members of the Praetorian Guard had compelled him to adopt the more popular Trajan as his heir and successor.
At Nerva’s death on January 27, 98, he had been succeeded by his adopted son without incident.
As a civilian administrator, Trajan maintains good relations with the Roman Senate, and will be best known for his extensive public building program, which will reshape the city of Rome, leaving such multiple enduring landmarks as Trajan's Forum, Trajan's Market and Trajan's Column.
Trajan, provincial himself, lowers tax requirements for the provinces and sponsors the admission of provincials to prominent positions.
He gains a reputation for his benevolence through his institution of the "alimenta," a system of financial subsidies for poor children.
He also continues the official persecution of the Christians.
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Southwest Europe
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