2017-01-27 Fri

During the period of 'Pax Romana' or Roman Peace, five good emperors ushered in an era of peace and stability. Trajan was one of the five emperors credited with maintaining peace in the Empire.

Known as “Optimus Princeps” or "the best ruler", Trajan is remembered as a successful soldier-emperor, who presided over the greatest military expansion in Roman history.

Born in the city of Italica, Trajan belongs to a non-patrician family. Trajan rose to prominence during the reign of Emperor Domitian. Emperor Nerva formally adopted Trajan. Upon Nerva's death in January of 98 A.D., Trajan assumed the title of emperor on 27th January 98 AD.

Always a military man, Trajan launched many successful campaigns and enlarged the empire into modern-day Romania, Mesopotamia, and the Sinai Peninsula. Trajan was not merely a military leader. He also accomplished a great deal for the citizens of Rome. He started a program to provide financial aid for parents who couldn't support their children. He was known for his building projects that included bridges, roads, and aqueducts.

In late 117, while sailing back to Rome, Trajan fell ill and died after a long reign of 67 years. He was succeeded by his adopted son Hadrian.

Like all the Roman Emperors the coinage of Trajan was extensive. Many of the coins of Trajan feature a marvelous heroic and realistic bust. Most of his coins are commemorative coins which speak for the greatness and the might of the emperor.