On This Day in Ancient History

Justice of Trajan fragment, from painting by Eugène Delacroix, 1840.

A highly revered emperor, Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus - September 18, 53 - August 8 or 9, 117) died on this day or the next in A.D. 117. This was the period of the 5 Good Emperors, so his death didn't herald a new age of turmoil. Trajan was known for his building projects and military campaigns. After his death, his name was a watchword for a good emperor and although he was a pagan, his reputation remained unsullied throughout the Christian period.

Read more about Trajan, his successor, Hadrian, and a relevant timeline.