Trajan, one of the most celebrated Roman emperors, is remembered for his military conquests, public works, and the expansion of the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent. His reign is often regarded as a golden age in Roman history. But beyond his accomplishments, many people also wonder: how long did Trajan rule, and what defined his time as emperor? To answer this, it’s important to look not only at the years of his reign but also at the historical context, achievements, and challenges he faced.
Trajan’s Accession to Power
Becoming Emperor
Marcus Ulpius Traianus, known simply as Trajan, was born in 53 AD in the Roman province of Hispania Baetica, making him one of the first emperors born outside of Italy. He rose through the military ranks and gained recognition for his service under Emperor Domitian. After the assassination of Emperor Domitian in 96 AD, his successor Nerva adopted Trajan as his heir in 97 AD, recognizing his popularity with the army and his potential to stabilize the empire.
Trajan officially became emperor on January 28, 98 AD, following the death of Nerva. His reign would last until his own death in 117 AD, giving him a total of19 yearsas emperor of Rome. This period was marked by significant military campaigns, extensive construction projects, and stable governance.
Key Events During Trajan’s Rule
Military Expansion and Campaigns
One of the defining aspects of Trajan’s reign was the expansion of the Roman Empire. He is particularly known for two major campaigns:
- The Dacian Wars (101102 and 105106 AD): Trajan launched two successful military campaigns against King Decebalus of Dacia (modern-day Romania). The conquest of Dacia brought immense wealth to Rome and led to the establishment of the province of Dacia. The famous Trajan’s Column in Rome commemorates these victories.
- The Parthian Campaign (113117 AD): Later in his reign, Trajan embarked on an ambitious campaign against the Parthian Empire. He successfully annexed Armenia and parts of Mesopotamia. However, maintaining control of these territories proved difficult, and many were abandoned shortly after his death.
Infrastructure and Public Works
Trajan’s rule is also noted for extensive construction projects across the empire. His focus on improving infrastructure helped strengthen Rome’s economy and administration. Some of the most notable projects include:
- Trajan’s Forum: A grand public space that included a market, basilica, and libraries, symbolizing Roman wealth and culture.
- Trajan’s Market: Considered the world’s first shopping mall, it featured over 150 shops and offices.
- Roads and Bridges: Trajan invested heavily in expanding and improving the empire’s road network, crucial for military and economic purposes.
Domestic Policies and Governance
Trajan was known as a fair and effective administrator. He reduced corruption, maintained strong relations with the Senate, and was admired for his humble and approachable leadership style. Trajan also implemented social welfare programs like thealimenta, which provided financial assistance for poor children and supported agricultural development in Italy.
The End of Trajan’s Rule
Health and Decline
By the mid-110s AD, Trajan’s health began to decline, especially during the later stages of his Parthian campaign. While returning from the East in 117 AD, he suffered a stroke and died on August 8, 117 AD, in the city of Selinus in Cilicia (modern-day Turkey).
Before his death, Trajan reportedly adopted Hadrian, a fellow Spaniard and military commander, as his successor. Hadrian would go on to reverse some of Trajan’s expansionist policies, focusing instead on consolidation and defense.
Legacy of His 19-Year Rule
Trajan’s 19 years as emperor left a lasting mark on Roman history. He was posthumously granted the titleOptimus Princeps, meaning the best ruler, by the Senate a title that no emperor had received before. His reputation for justice, strength, and vision has stood the test of time.
Why Trajan’s Reign Is Still Celebrated
Admiration by Later Generations
Centuries after his death, Trajan was still remembered fondly. Even during the medieval period, Christian writers like Dante placed him in favorable positions in their works, despite being a pagan ruler. His balanced combination of military success and civic responsibility became a model for ideal rulership.
When new emperors were inaugurated in later centuries, Roman senators often offered the blessing,May you be luckier than Augustus and better than Trajan. This saying underscored Trajan’s status as the gold standard for emperorship in the Roman imagination.
Modern Historical Evaluation
Today, historians view Trajan’s reign as a period of prosperity, efficient governance, and bold ambition. While his later military campaigns in the East were difficult to sustain, his conquests brought Rome immense wealth and prestige. Scholars also point to his inclusive policies toward the provinces and his improvements in infrastructure as signs of long-term vision.
Trajan ruled the Roman Empire for 19 years, from 98 AD to 117 AD. During this time, he expanded Roman territory farther than any other emperor, implemented meaningful reforms, and earned the deep respect of both his contemporaries and future generations. His reign represents the height of Roman power and stability, a time when the empire flourished economically, culturally, and militarily. The memory of Trajan continues to endure as a symbol of competent, just, and visionary leadership in the ancient world.