Trajan: The First Spanish Emperor and His Legacy

Trajan was a Roman emperor who ruled from 98 to 117 CE. He was the first Roman emperor born outside of Italy, in the province of Hispania (modern Spain). He was also one of the most successful and influential rulers in Roman history, expanding the empire to its greatest extent, undertaking massive public works, and implementing social welfare programs.

Trajan’s Spanish Origin

Trajan was born in the city of Italica, near Seville, in the year 53 CE. His family belonged to the gens Ulpia, an old and distinguished clan from the Umbrian region of central Italy, who had settled in Hispania during the late Republic. His father, also named Marcus Ulpius Traianus, was a prominent senator and general who served under the emperors Vespasian and Domitian. His mother, Marcia, was a noblewoman from a local family.

Trajan grew up in a multicultural and prosperous environment, where he learned to speak both Latin and Greek, as well as the local languages of the Iberian Peninsula. He received a good education and followed his father’s footsteps in pursuing a military career. He served as a tribune in Syria, a praetor in Rome, a legate in Spain, and a governor in Upper Germany. He gained a reputation for his courage, competence, and loyalty, and earned the respect and admiration of the army and the people.

Trajan’s Influence in History

Trajan became emperor in 98 CE, after being adopted by his predecessor, Nerva, who needed a strong and popular heir to secure his shaky rule. Trajan was welcomed by the Senate and the people as a new hope for the empire, and he did not disappoint them. He embarked on a series of ambitious and successful military campaigns, conquering Dacia, Arabia, Armenia, and Mesopotamia, and bringing the empire to its largest size ever. He also secured the borders of the empire with fortifications, roads, and bridges, and maintained good relations with the neighboring kingdoms and peoples.

Trajan was not only a great warrior, but also a great builder and benefactor. He used the spoils of his wars to fund magnificent public works, such as the Forum and Column of Trajan, the Baths of Trajan, the Aqua Traiana, and the Port of Ostia. He also improved the infrastructure and administration of the provinces, and promoted the welfare of the citizens. He granted tax relief, land grants, loans, and subsidies to the poor, the veterans, and the farmers. He also founded schools, libraries, hospitals, and orphanages, and supported the arts and sciences.

Trajan was widely regarded as a model of good governance, justice, and generosity. He was praised by historians, poets, and philosophers, such as Pliny the Younger, Tacitus, and Dio Cassius. He was also revered by later emperors, who sought to emulate his achievements and virtues. He was given the title of Optimus, meaning “the best”, by the Senate, and was considered by many as the ideal ruler of the Roman Empire.

Quiz

• Where was Trajan born, and why was this significant?
• Describe Trajan's family background and its connection to both Italy and Hispania.
• What military and political roles did Trajan hold before becoming emperor, and how did they prepare him for the position?
• How did Trajan become emperor, and what was the general public’s reaction to his ascension?
• Name three major military campaigns undertaken by Trajan and explain how they impacted the Roman Empire.
• What are some examples of the public works projects funded by Trajan?
• Describe Trajan’s social welfare programs and who benefited from them.
• How did Trajan ensure the security and stability of the empire through infrastructure and diplomacy?
• What made Trajan so widely respected and admired both during his time and by future generations?
• What title did the Senate bestow upon Trajan, and what did it signify?

Essay Questions

• Analyze the ways in which Trajan’s background as a provincial Spaniard influenced his rule as Roman emperor. Consider his military, administrative, and social policies.
• Compare and contrast Trajan’s approach to expansion with that of previous Roman emperors, and discuss the impact of his conquests on the empire's political and economic landscape.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and long-term impact of Trajan's public works projects, using specific examples to support your argument.
• Discuss the importance of Trajan’s social welfare policies in the context of the Roman Empire, and consider whether or not they set a new standard for future leaders.
• To what extent did Trajan deserve the title Optimus, and how did his rule contribute to the Roman Empire’s golden age?

Glossary of Key Terms

• Hispania: The Roman name for the Iberian Peninsula, which is modern-day Spain and Portugal, where Trajan was born.
• Gens Ulpia: An old and distinguished Roman clan from the Umbrian region of central Italy, to which Trajan's family belonged.
• Tribune: A military rank in the Roman army, typically held by young men during the early stages of their careers, like Trajan.
• Praetor: A high-ranking Roman magistrate with judicial and military duties, which was one of Trajan’s early political positions.
• Legate: A Roman official appointed by the emperor to command a legion or govern a province, demonstrating Trajan’s experience as a commander.
• Dacia: An ancient region north of the Danube River, conquered by Trajan, and a source of significant wealth for Rome.
• Forum of Trajan: An extensive public square built by Trajan in Rome, containing temples, libraries, and markets, demonstrating his vision for civic infrastructure.
• Column of Trajan: A monumental column built in Rome to commemorate Trajan’s victories in Dacia, showcasing Roman engineering and propaganda.
• Optimus: A Latin title meaning "the best," bestowed upon Trajan by the Senate as a testament to his ideal leadership.
• Aqua Traiana: An aqueduct constructed under Emperor Trajan, providing Rome with a vital source of clean water.