Trajan was a popular general before being adopted as the emperor Nerva's heir. He also has the disinction of being the first emperor born outside of Italy. He was born in Spain, of a notable Roman family who had relocated from northern Italy. During his career he brought the Roman Empire to it's largest size, and also remained on good terms with the senate, reversing some of the damage certain previous emperors had done to this relationship. He served as a tribune under his father (see below) before rising to command the 7th legion, based in northern Spain. He was appointed as the governor of Upper Germany under Nerva. After Nerva's death he travelled to a couple of potential trouble spots around the empire to prevent any rebellions, and finally arrived in Rome in the last half of 99. Notable accomplishments include conquerinbg all of Mesopotamia, though this was brief. He also made an extensive building program with public works, religious buildings, roads, and bridges. The most famous remainder from this program is Trajan's Column.

The father of the emperor Trajan, Marcus Ulpius Traianus had a distinguished career in both military and government positions. He commanded the tenth legion in the Jewish War under Vespasian and Titus, served as consul ca. 70, and was governor at various times of Syria, the Spanish province of Baetica, and Asia. He died some time before 100 CE.

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