Abstract
This paper examines the life and career of Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus otherwise known as Trajan. It looks at how Trajan was one of the Antonine Roman emperors who ruled the Empire from 98 AD to 117 AD, following the extremely short rule of Nerva. The paper also discusses how Trajan's rule was one of the most contentious in Roman history and how, although almost constantly at war, Trajan was also responsible for expanding the Roman Empire to its greatest limits.

Outline
Introduction
Early Life
Career and Rise to Power
Dacian Wars
Further Campaigns
Period of Peace
Administration and Policies
Legacy-Honors and Reputation
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Regardless of the political necessity of quashing the aggressive Dacian ruler, the Dacian Wars were less about retribution than they were of practical need. Dacia had value outside of its place as new territory for Rome. All of Trajan's campaigns came at a price, of course. His extended military campaigns were costly, in terms of lives, resources, and funds. Dacius also retained great strategic value, as well as wealth in "gold, silver, and essential minerals" (Kean 76). Wealth was not an incidental consideration when choosing to fight a war. Campbell states that "the extra cost of war might rather unpredictably be recouped by booty, as in Augustus' conquest of Egypt or Trajan's victory over Dacia" (86). "

Tags:Dacian, Wars, roman, empire