Trajan (AD 98-117). AR denarius (18mm, 3.64 gm, 8h). Rome, AD 112-114.

Marcus Ulpius Trajanus, better known as Trajan, carved his name in history as one of ancient Rome's most illustrious emperors, renowned for his military prowess and strategic brilliance. Born the son of a prominent Roman senator under the reign of Vespasian, Trajan followed his father's career in provincial military administration. Having just received the title Germanicus from his exploits at the Germanic frontier, Trajan ascended to power in AD 98 with the death of the elderly Emperor Nerva. Under Trajan the Roman Empire reached its greatest territorial extent, encompassing vast swathes of land across Europe, Asia, and Africa. His military campaigns, particularly the Dacian Wars, secured valuable resources and strategic advantages for the empire. Trajan's conquests also extended into the Middle East, where he captured territories such as Armenia and Mesopotamia, further consolidating Roman influence in the region. Beyond his military achievements, Trajan was renowned for his benevolent governance and commitment to public welfare. He implemented extensive building projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, and aqueducts, which facilitated trade and communication throughout the empire, while also completing iconic landmarks such as Trajan's Column and Trajan's Forum in Rome, showcasing his enduring legacy as a patron of architecture and urban development. Trajan's reign is remembered as achieving the heights of the golden age of the Roman Empire, characterized by stability, prosperity, and imperial expansion. The Senate conferred onto him the title of "Best" (Optimus) and and future emperors would be inaugurated with the phrase that they be "luckier than Augustus, better than Trajan" (Felicior Augusto, melior Traiano).