3 – Trajan (98 – 117 AD)
In the eyes of most historians, Trajan ranks as one of the top 2-3 emperors while some have him as their #1. The Senate even took the step of naming him ‘optimus Princeps’ (the best ruler). He was an excellent military commander and administrator and the Roman Empire reached its greatest extent under his leadership.
Trajan was born in Italica in 53 AD in what is now modern-day Spain. He joined the army at a young age and served as Tribune under the rule of his father in Spain. He survived Emperor Domitian’s reign of terror and was named the governor of Upper Germany by Emperor Nerva in 96 AD. After escaping the Praetorian Guard mutiny, Nerva realized that he needed a successor as he had no children. He adopted Trajan in 97 AD, and when Nerva died the following year, Trajan became emperor. However, the new ruler did not set foot in Rome until 99 AD as he elected to inspect the borders of the Danube and the Rhine to test the loyalty of legions.
As emperor, Trajan had an excellent relationship with the Senate and was praised for his bravery and justice. He presided over one of the best domestic policies Rome had under the Empire. This included restoring the road system, helping children of the poor and building public paths, a port at Ostia, aqueducts and much more. Finally, he freed those who had been imprisoned or exiled during the reign of Domitian.
Despite being hailed as a thoughtful ruler, Trajan was a warmonger and was involved in three wars during his reign. He quickly defeated the Dacians in 101 AD but had to fight them again four years later. Once more, Trajan was victorious, and the kingdom of Dacia became part of the empire. After a few years of peace, Trajan went abroad to fight Parthia in 114 AD. He would never again return to Rome while he lived. After almost dying during a Mesopotamian rebellion in 117 AD, Trajan left for home but died on the way. The empire mourned the death of a great ruler but fortunately for Rome; he was followed by a succession of able leaders.