Trajan, originally Marcus Ulpius Trajanus c.53-117AD
Roman emperor

Born near Seville, he was adopted by Nerva as his colleague and successor (AD97), and became sole ruler in 98. From 101 Trajan campaigned against the Dacians, and Dacia eventually became a Roman province (106). In 113 Trajan left Italy to campaign in the east, mainly against the Parthians. He made Armenia and Mesopotamia into Roman provinces, and captured the Parthian capital, Ctesiphon (115). Meanwhile uprisings took place in the rest of the empire and he set sail for Italy, but died at Selinus in Cilicia. His reign saw the Roman Empire at its greatest extent, and the internal administration was excellent. Informers were severely punished and dishonest governors of provinces prosecuted. The empire was covered in all directions by new military routes, canals, bridges and harbours were constructed, new towns built, the Pontine Marshes partially drained, and the magnificent Forum Trajani erected. He also founded the library known as the Bibliotheca Ulpia. He enjoyed great popularity in his lifetime and his reputation remained high after death, though under him the empire showed signs of economic breakdown.

Bibliography: Lino Rossi, Trajan's Column and the Dacian Wars (1971)