Today on September 18, 53 CE, Trajan, one of the greatest emperors of Roman Empire, was born.
Trajan ruled over the vast Roman Empire for almost two decades, from 98 to 117 CE. He led many successful military conquests and expanded Rome's borders to its maximum territorial extent by the time of his death. Trajan is remembered as both a successful soldier-emperor as well as a philanthropic ruler.
Throughout his reign, he initiated extensive public works projects and introduced social welfare programs. Today, historians recognize him as the second of the Five Good Emperors who oversaw a prolonged period of peace, prosperity, and stability. He left behind many well known public landmarks, including Trajan’s Forum, Trajan’s Column and Trajan’s Market.