The great emperor of Rome - Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus or Trajan was born in the city of Italica. He belongs to a nonpatrician family and rose to prominence during the reign of Emperor Domitian. Emperor Nerva formally adopted Trajan. Upon Nerva’s death in January of 98 AD, Trajan assumed the title of emperor on 27th January 98 and ruled it till 117.

Trajan was highly capable in terms of his military decisions as well as administrative and political reforms. Under his reign, the empire grew not just territorially, but also economically and culturally. He was declared Optimus Princeps or the best ruler during his lifetime.

Trajan launched many successful campaigns. In 115 he led successfully war against the Parthian Empire of Mesopotamia. Today on this day in 116 Emperor Trajan sends laureatae to the Roman Senate at Rome on account of his victories and conquest of Parthia.

Depicted here is a gold Aureus issued by Trajan to celebrate the conquest of Parthia. The coin depicts the laureate bust of a king facing right, Aegis on left shoulder globe at the base of bust. The reverse of a coin portrays the Parthia seated left, head facing, in the attitude of mourning, and Parthian seated right in attitude of mourning below trophy.

Trajan is considered the most important Emperor of the Roman Empire. His death occurred when returning from a campaign in Mesopotamia. He was succeeded by Adriano, also born in Hispania but educated in Rome by Trajan, whom he accompanied in numerous military campaigns.

Image Source: wikipedia.org