Trajan

Definition

Trajan was a Roman emperor who ruled from 98 to 117 AD, known for his military conquests and extensive building projects that greatly expanded the Roman Empire. He is often remembered as one of the 'Five Good Emperors' due to his successful leadership and prosperity during his reign, which marked a peak in the historical context of Roman civilization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Trajan's reign is often seen as the zenith of Roman territorial expansion, with the empire reaching its greatest extent under his rule.
2. He implemented a series of social welfare programs, including the alimenta, which provided support for poor children across Italy.
3. Trajan was also an accomplished architect, commissioning many significant constructions such as the Trajan's Market and improvements to the city's infrastructure.
4. His Column, erected in Trajan's Forum, stands as a monumental testament to his military achievements and serves as an important historical record of the Dacian Wars.
5. After Trajan's death, he was succeeded by Hadrian, who chose to consolidate and fortify the empire's borders rather than pursue further expansion.

Review Questions

• How did Trajan’s military campaigns impact the territorial expansion of the Roman Empire?
  • Trajan’s military campaigns, particularly the Dacian Wars, significantly impacted the territorial expansion of the Roman Empire by adding Dacia as a province. This conquest not only increased the empire’s land but also provided valuable resources such as gold and silver, which bolstered Rome's economy. His successful military strategies and charismatic leadership solidified Rome's dominance in Eastern Europe during this time.
• In what ways did Trajan’s building projects reflect the values and priorities of Roman society during his reign?
  • Trajan’s building projects, including the Forum of Trajan and other public works, reflected Roman society's values of civic pride, cultural identity, and urban development. These constructions served both functional and symbolic purposes; they provided spaces for commerce and governance while also showcasing Rome's power and sophistication. By investing in architecture and infrastructure, Trajan prioritized community welfare and demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Roman citizens.
• Evaluate Trajan’s legacy as one of the 'Five Good Emperors' and its influence on subsequent Roman leadership.
  • Trajan's legacy as one of the 'Five Good Emperors' is marked by his effective governance, military successes, and commitment to social welfare. His reign established a model of leadership characterized by benevolence, stability, and civic responsibility that influenced subsequent emperors like Hadrian. The principles he championed—meritocracy in administration and investment in public welfare—set a high standard for future rulers, contributing to a relatively peaceful period in Roman history that shaped governance models for generations to come.

Related terms

Dacian Wars: A series of military campaigns led by Trajan between 101 and 106 AD against the Dacians, resulting in the annexation of Dacia into the Roman Empire.

Forum of Trajan: A large public space in Rome built by Trajan, featuring a basilica, markets, and the famous Column of Trajan, which commemorates his victories in the Dacian Wars.

Five Good Emperors: A term used to describe a period of five consecutive Roman emperors from 96 to 180 AD known for their effective governance, stability, and relative peace within the empire.