Trajan
...on the command of the Seventh egion “Gemina” based at Legio (Leon) in northern Spain. It was in AD 88/89 that he marched this legion into Upper Germany to suppress the oncoming revolt of Saturninus against Domitian. Near the end of the year 97 AD Trajan received a hand written letter from Nerva, the Emperor of Rome, informing him that he had been adopted by Nerva and was soon to become emperor. Trajan was held in high regard by the army and his adoption was the best possible solution against the resentment much of the army felt against Nerva. Trajan showed that he took insurrection seriously by summoning the men that lead of a mutiny against Nerva for the purpose of promoting them. But instead of receiving the promised promotions, the leaders of the mutiny were executed upon arrival. Trajan’s reign as Emperor proved to be outstanding. When Trajan arrived in Rome, he arrived in triumph. There were jubilant crowds rejoicing over the new Emperor’s arrival. Instead of entering the city in a magnificent chariot, Trajan entered on foot. He embraced all the senators and even walked among the people of Rome. Entering the city in this manner was unlike any other Emperor before. The Emperor gained much support through this modest and open mannerism that he maintained. Trajan was adored by the people, respected by the senators, he had no internal difficulties to face and there were neither rivals nor opposition. “His powers were as extensive as Domitian’s had been, but his use and display of these powers were very different from those of his predecessor, who had claimed to be deus et dominus god and master.” (www.romanemperor.com). During Trajan’s reign he was continually enlarging the public works of Rome. New roads, canals, and bridges were constructed; the Appian Way was restored; the Pontine Marshes were partly drained. He also started making provisions for the poor: the children needed the most help. Trajan started special imperial funds (alimenta) to feed and shelter the poor and needy children of Rome. Rome continued to use this system of funds for two hundred years to come. Not only did Trajan improve the public life during his reign but he also expanded the borders of the Roman empire. “During his rule the borders of the empire was expanded to their greatest limit” (Streams of Civilization pg. 162). “In 113 the emperor left Italy for his great expedition in the East, directed mai...