Trajan was Roman Emperor from AD 98 to117

Trajan (Traiana) was the son of a senator. He was born on September 18, 53. He made his way up through the ranks of the army and became consul in 91 and became emperor in 98. He was the first non-Italian Roman to become Emperor.

Trajan governed well and without troubles. He became so popular that the Roman Senate named him 'optimus', meaning "the best".

Trajan was a fine military commander. In 101, he attacked Dacia, a country that is now Romania. Dacia rebelled again in 106 and was quashed a second time. At the same time, Trajan captured Dacia's gold mines for the empire.

Using the wealth of gold from Dacia, Trajan had a huge shopping centre (forum) built in Rome and a basilica (business centre). The Senate had a 30m high marble column built showing the story of the Dacian wars. It is in Rome and called Trajan's column.

In 113, Trajan led an army to the Middle east and it was at this time that the Roman empire grew to its largest size.

Trajan then fell ill and died in 117.