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After five centuries of oligarchic governance, ancient Rome endured a period of civil unrest that culminated around 27 BC, as the Senate bestowed upon Octavian the honorific of Augustus. This is usually considered the Roman Empire’s “official” beginning. Four centuries later, the realm bifurcated into distinct Western and Eastern Roman Empires. The former lasted more than another century before succumbing to barbarian invasions, and the latter transformed into a Byzantine Empire that persevered until its defeat by the Ottomans in mid-15th century AD.
Over this vast time span, the Empire’s height was during the reign of Trajan (53-117 AD). Born Marcus Ulpius Traianus, he became an accomplished military leader and favorite of Emperor Domitian. When Domitian was murdered in 96 AD, the Senate chose as his successor the elderly and childless Nerva. Compelled to choose his own successor, Nerva looked to Trajan, who was extremely popular, especially with Rome's military. In 98 AD, Nerva died and Trajan became next Emperor, although, being a clever tactician, he did not accept the appointment in Rome until confirming support of his legions.
Trajan excelled as the Empire’s military commander, significantly expanding Rome’s influence. He scored a victory in his first campaign against the Dacians in 101 AD, earning him the title as depicted on the obverse of this denarius: IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, i.e., heir of Nerva, Augustus (Emperor) Trajan, Defeater of the Germans. Finishing the campaign would take several more years, achieved in no small part by rapid mobilization across the Danube via Trajan’s Bridge, a record-breaking undertaking ordered by the Emperor. Afterwards, the Dacian campaign was spectacularly commemorated in spiral bas-relief on Trajan’s Column.
Later annexations (notably Nabataea) and conquests (notably against the Persians) further increased the Empire’s domain. Trajan's aptitude for grandeur was also evident in his domestic projects. In addition to the aforementioned Trajan’s Bridge and Trajan’s Column, also completed were Trajan’s Forum, Trajan's Market, and numerous other ambitious building and road projects. Trajan held a gladiatorial festival in the Coliseum that lasted three months, hosted five million spectators, and reportedly left 11,000 participants dead (not including wild animals). Such grandiose projects were supported by increased access to precious metals arising from Trajan's conquests, coupled with a lowering of the denarius’ silver content.
When Trajan died in 117 AD of natural causes, the Roman Empire stretched from Britannia to Mesopotamia, and encompassed all lands of the Mediterranean in between. Considering the vast extent over which the Empire governed, along with its longevity (in form or another), it is no wonder that the ancient Romans have profoundly influenced our modern world.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Trajan, 98-117 AD, AR Denarius (3.19 g), NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Rome mint 101-102 AD, Obverse: Laureate and draped bust right of Trajan, IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, Reverse: Mars advancing right with spear and trophy, P M TR P - COS IIII P P, Reference: RIC II, 52.