Coin / Medal , Trajan , Ancient Roman , Dupondius Trajan Trajanus Traian , Dacia

Description

This is similar to the original
Features:
Diameter:
28 mm to 30 mm
Weight:
10 g / 0
.35 oz
/
0.022 lb
Material:
Bz / Ag
The Roman Empire had its fair share of corrupt rulers. However, during the period labeled
Pax Romana
or Roman Peace, five good emperors ushered in an era of peace and stability.
Trajan
was one of the five emperors credited with maintaining peace by cooperating with the senate and the ruling classes, starting policies aimed at supporting the welfare of the citizens, and engaging in massive building projects that benefited the masses. Although Trajan was considered an absolute ruler, he was not a tyrant. He was referred to as
Optimus Princeps
, or the 'best ruler.'
The first of the good emperors was
Nerva
. Since he had no sons, he adopted Trajan as his successor. Born
Marcus Ulpius Traianus
on September 18, 53 A.D., Trajan was the son of a well-respected general and senator. He became a career soldier and served on many distant Roman frontiers during his youth. He was elected consul, or head of the senate, in 98 A.D., which brought him to the capital city. Shortly thereafter, he married a woman named Pompeia Plotina, but the couple never had any children.
Emperor Nerva formally adopted Trajan in 97 A.D. Upon Nerva's death in January 98 A.D., Trajan assumed the title of emperor. His successful military career ensured that he was well received by the citizens of Rome. One of his first acts as emperor was to free those unjustly imprisoned during Emperor Domitian's reign. Always a military man, Trajan launched many successful campaigns and enlarged the empire into modern-day Romania (called Dacia at the time), Mesopotamia, and the Sinai Peninsula. Recognizing the need to defend this vast territory, Trajan also increased the number of army legions from 28 to 30. Trajan died on August 9, 117 A.D. at the age of 63. His named successor was
Hadrian
.
Trajan was not merely a military leader. He also accomplished a great deal for the citizens of Rome. In what can be considered a form of social policy, he started a program to provide financial aid for parents who couldn't support their children. He was known for his building projects that included bridges, roads, and aqueducts. He ordered the construction of a new forum in Rome and
Trajan's Pantheon
(a temple dedicated to all the Roman gods).