(Marcus Ulpius Trajanus) (AD 52-117) Roman emperor and soldier, born in Seville. He was adopted as heir by Nerva, whom he succeeded AD 98.
He was a just and conscientious ruler, corresponded with Pliny about the Christians, and conquered Dacia (Romania) 101–07 and much of Parthia (113–17), bringing the empire to its greatest extent. Trajan’s Column, erected in the Forum he had constructed, commemorates his Dacian victories.