Emperor Trajan at the Archaeological Museum of Venice

“Emperor Trajan (Decennial Type)”

Sculpture – Marble (Height 57 cm) 108 AD

Emperor Trajan, a Decennial Type, at the Archaeological Museum of Venice in Italy

Emperor Trajan Emperor Trajan (53–117) left a positive legacy, as the Roman Empire had expanded considerably thanks to his numerous conquests.

Emperor Domitian had adopted Trajan so that he might succeed him.

But when Domitian was assassinated in 96, the former consul Nerva took power.

However, Nerva had no children to succeed him, and he knew that he would never be supported by the imperial armies because he had never fought for Rome.

“Head of Emperor Trajan”

Sculpture – Marble (Height 48 cm) First half of the 2nd century

Emperor Trajan He therefore eventually adopted Trajan, a very popular general, as his son and intended successor.

When Nerva died in 98, Trajan became emperor with the unanimous consent of the Senate, which also bestowed upon him the title of “Caesar”, thereby designating him as a worthy successor to Julius Caesar.

The Senate’s goodwill towards him would not prevent Trajan from ruling alone, as it was obliged to ratify whatever he decided.

During his reign, Trajan did not merely expand the territory of the Roman Empire; he also took an active part in the urban development of Rome by launching a vast programme of new construction, including the imposing ‘Trajan’s Markets’ and the baths that bear his name.

Hadrian succeeded Trajan following the latter’s death in 117.

Emperor Trajan