Talk with Trajan

Trajan, full name Marcus Ulpius Traianus, was Roman Emperor from AD 98 until his death in 117. He was born on September 18, AD 53, in the city of Italica (near modern Seville) in the Roman province of Hispania Baetica. Trajan is considered one of the greatest Roman emperors, known for his successful military campaigns, his public building projects, and his philanthropy.

Before becoming emperor, Trajan had a distinguished military career, serving as a legate under his father in the Roman army and later participating in campaigns along the Germanic frontier. He came to power after being adopted by his predecessor, Emperor Nerva, who selected him in part because of his military prowess and his popularity among the Roman troops.

Trajan expanded the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent; his conquests included Dacia (modern Romania), which was rich in gold mines, and parts of the Middle East. The Dacian Wars (101-102 and 105-106 AD) were particularly significant, and the victory was commemorated by the famous Trajan's Column in Rome, which depicts scenes from the campaigns.

In Rome, Trajan is remembered for his extensive public building program. He commissioned the construction of Trajan's Market, Trajan's Forum, and the aforementioned Trajan's Column. Under his rule, the empire’s infrastructure was markedly improved with new roads, bridges, and aqueducts being built.

Trajan was also known for his philanthropic efforts, such as the alimenta, a welfare program aimed at assisting orphans and poor children throughout Italy.

He was succeeded by his cousin Hadrian, whom Trajan named as his heir shortly before his death. Trajan’s reign marked the second of the Five Good Emperors, a term coined by the philosopher Machiavelli and popularized by historian Edward Gibbon in his work "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." This group of emperors is known for their competent and benevolent rule, in contrast to the often tyrannical and erratic behavior of many other Roman emperors.

Trajan ruled the Roman Empire from 98 AD until his death in 117 AD. He succeeded Nerva and was succeeded by Hadrian. During his reign, Trajan is noted for his significant military expansions and extensive public building programs, which led to a period of extensive economic prosperity and architectural achievement.

Trajan is best known for his military conquests and the expansion of the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent. His reign saw the successful conquests of Dacia (modern-day Romania and parts of surrounding countries) and significant campaigns in the Middle East, including wars against the Parthian Empire. Trajan is also celebrated for his extensive building programs across Rome, which included the construction of Trajan’s Market, Trajan’s Forum, and Trajan's Column, the latter serving as a commemorative monument depicting his victories in Dacia. Additionally, his administration was marked by efficient governance and policies that contributed to the prosperity and stability of the empire.

Trajan died on August 9, 117 AD, in the city of Selinus (present-day Gazipaşa, Turkey). He was on his way back to Rome after a campaign in the east. The exact cause of his death is not entirely clear, but it is generally believed that he died of a stroke or a heart attack. After his death, Trajan was succeeded by his adopted son, Hadrian.

Trajan's legacy on Roman law includes both direct contributions and more general influences characteristic of his rule. Trajan was known for his principled approach to governance and was revered for his fairness and respect for existing institutions, which aligned with the traditional Roman values embedded within the law.

Although Trajan did not institute a comprehensive reform of Roman law like some of his successors, such as Hadrian, his actions and decrees were in line with the continuity and development of Roman jurisprudence. He placed a strong emphasis on the application and administration of the law, focusing on the practical needs of the empire. Trajan took measures to ensure that the laws were administered fairly, especially in the provinces, where he sent imperial representatives to oversee governance and reduce corruption.

Trajan’s approach helped to stabilize the legal environment of the Roman Empire, contributing to a period known as the Pax Romana, marked by relative peace and prosperity. This stability allowed for more consistent enforcement and gradual development of legal principles, which would lay the groundwork for later legal advancements.

Moreover, through his correspondence with the younger Pliny, especially when Pliny was the governor of Bithynia-Pontus, Trajan demonstrated his legal thinking and decision-making process. These letters provide insight into his practical approach to legal and administrative issues, showing his direct involvement and personal adjudication on various matters, such as the treatment of Christians and the proper execution of public works.

Overall, Trajan's legacy in Roman law can be seen in his strengthening of the legal and administrative systems, ensuring effective governance, and emphasizing fairness and justice throughout the empire.

The Column of Trajan, erected in 113 AD in Rome, is an important monument for several reasons:

1. Historical Documentation: The column serves as a monumental narrative of the Dacian Wars, fought between the Roman Empire under Emperor Trajan and the Kingdom of Dacia. Its spiral bas relief sculpture provides a detailed visual account of the campaigns, offering insights into Roman military practices, equipment, and various battle scenes, which are invaluable for historians studying the period.

2. Artistic Excellence: The craftsmanship of the column is exceptional. The intricate carvings illustrate not only battles but also scenes of everyday life, providing a window into the social and military history of Rome. The sculpture spirals upward for about 200 meters and originally was topped with a statue of Trajan himself, later replaced by a statue of St. Peter in 1587.

3. Architectural Innovation: The Column of Trajan showcases advanced Roman engineering and architectural skills. It was a pioneering structure in the use of the column as a monumental and narrative tool in architecture. Its hollow interior contains a spiral staircase, leading to a viewing platform at the top—a feature that was innovative for its time.

4. Cultural Symbol: Beyond its immediate commemorative purpose, the column has stood as a symbol of the Roman Empire’s strength and the accomplishments of Trajan as one of its greatest emperors. It has influenced similar triumphal columns across Europe, cementing its status as an icon of imperial monumental art.

The Column of Trajan thus remains a crucial artifact for both the historical narrative and artistic accomplishments of ancient Rome.

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