When and where was Trajan born?
Marcus Ulpius Traianus arrived in the world on the 18th of September AD53 within the Roman province of Hispania Baetica. His birthplace was Italica, a small town that lacked baths or theaters when he was born.
Questions about Trajan
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Trajan become emperor after Domitian died?
Emperor Nerva chose Trajan as his adoptive son and heir in summer 97 to secure military support against Praetorian Prefect Casperius Aelianus. Pliny the Younger later implied this adoption might have been coerced despite imperial claims otherwise.
What economic reforms did Trajan implement regarding currency and public welfare?
Trajan formalized the alimenta program which provided cash food and education to poor children across Italy using funding from Dacian War booty estate taxes and private philanthropy. In 107 he devalued Roman currency reducing silver content in denarii from 93.5 percent to 89.0 percent to allow minting of many more coins than predecessors had produced.
Which major architectural projects were completed during Trajan's reign?
Construction began on Trajan's Forum in AD 107 and was dedicated on the 1st of January 112 using funds from Dacian campaigns. Apollodorus of Damascus designed a massive bridge spanning the Danube River near Iron Gates region while Trajan's Column rose nearby depicting carved bas-reliefs showing key moments from Dacian Wars.
How did Trajan handle the wars against King Decebalus of Dacia?
First campaign launched in May 101 crossed Danube north bank defeating army at Tapae near Iron Gates before heavy losses forced Trajan to pause campaigning until regrouping occurred the following year. Second war began when Decebalus rearmed harbored runaways pressured Iazyges allies into coalition leading to final destruction of capital city Sarmizegetusa Regia.
When and how did Trajan die and what happened to his legacy?
Trajan fell ill sailing back to Rome during August AD 117 dying stroke city Selinus with his ashes entombed small room beneath Trajan's Column according historical tradition. Senate deified him granting posthumous honors recognizing achievements across military administrative domains while successor Hadrian cousin adopted Trajan's policies maintaining continuity despite different personal style.