Trajan

Hello! My name is Trajan, and I was an emperor of Rome a very long time ago. I was born on September 18th, in the year 53, in a place called Italica. Today, that city is in a country called Spain. I was special because I was the very first Roman emperor who wasn't born in Italy! When I was a young man, I decided to join the army. Being a soldier was hard work, but I was a good leader and helped protect the Roman Empire and its people. I learned how to be strong and fair, which would help me later in my life.

As I worked in the army, the emperor of Rome, a kind man named Nerva, noticed me. He saw that I was a hard worker and a good leader. Emperor Nerva did not have any children of his own to become emperor after him. So, in the year 97, he made a big decision. He chose me to be his son and said that I would be the next emperor! When Nerva passed away in the year 98, it was my turn to lead. I wanted to be the very best ruler for all the people of Rome. One of the first things I did was start a special program to help poor children. This program made sure they had enough food to eat and could even go to school to learn.

I believed that a great empire should have beautiful buildings for everyone to use and enjoy. I told my best builders to create amazing new places in the city of Rome. We built a huge open square called Trajan's Forum, which had libraries for reading and tall statues to look at. We also built Trajan's Market, which was like the world's very first shopping mall where people could buy and sell things! My favorite project was a giant stone pillar called Trajan's Column. It has pictures carved all the way around it, telling the story of my army's adventures like a big stone comic strip. Under my rule, the Roman Empire grew bigger than it had ever been before.

After many years of being emperor, it was time for someone new to lead. My adopted son, Hadrian, became the next emperor after me. The people of Rome were very kind to me and gave me a special name: 'Optimus Princeps.' That means 'the best ruler.' They gave me this name because I always tried my best to be fair and helpful to everyone. I lived to be 63 years old. Today, people can still visit the amazing buildings I created in Rome. They remember me as a leader who cared for his people and made the Roman Empire a strong and wonderful place.