Trajan: The First Spanish Emperor and His Legacy

Trajan was a Roman emperor who ruled from 98 to 117 CE. He was the first Roman emperor born outside of Italy, in the province of Hispania (modern Spain). He was also one of the most successful and influential rulers in Roman history, expanding the empire to its greatest extent, undertaking massive public works, and implementing social welfare programs.

Trajan’s Spanish Origin

Trajan was born in the city of Italica, near Seville, in the year 53 CE. His family belonged to the gens Ulpia, an old and distinguished clan from the Umbrian region of central Italy, who had settled in Hispania during the late Republic. His father, also named Marcus Ulpius Traianus, was a prominent senator and general who served under the emperors Vespasian and Domitian. His mother, Marcia, was a noblewoman from a local family.

Trajan grew up in a multicultural and prosperous environment, where he learned to speak both Latin and Greek, as well as the local languages of the Iberian Peninsula. He received a good education and followed his father’s footsteps in pursuing a military career. He served as a tribune in Syria, a praetor in Rome, a legate in Spain, and a governor in Upper Germany. He gained a reputation for his courage, competence, and loyalty, and earned the respect and admiration of the army and the people.

Trajan’s Influence in History

Trajan became emperor in 98 CE, after being adopted by his predecessor, Nerva, who needed a strong and popular heir to secure his shaky rule. Trajan was welcomed by the Senate and the people as a new hope for the empire, and he did not disappoint them. He embarked on a series of ambitious and successful military campaigns, conquering Dacia, Arabia, Armenia, and Mesopotamia, and bringing the empire to its largest size ever. He also secured the borders of the empire with fortifications, roads, and bridges, and maintained good relations with the neighboring kingdoms and peoples.

Trajan was not only a great warrior, but also a great builder and benefactor. He used the spoils of his wars to fund magnificent public works, such as the Forum and Column of Trajan, the Baths of Trajan, the Aqua Traiana, and the Port of Ostia. He also improved the infrastructure and administration of the provinces, and promoted the welfare of the citizens. He granted tax relief, land grants, loans, and subsidies to the poor, the veterans, and the farmers. He also founded schools, libraries, hospitals, and orphanages, and supported the arts and sciences.

Trajan was widely regarded as a model of good governance, justice, and generosity. He was praised by historians, poets, and philosophers, such as Pliny the Younger, Tacitus, and Dio Cassius. He was also revered by later emperors, who sought to emulate his achievements and virtues. He was given the title of Optimus, meaning “the best”, by the Senate, and was considered by many as the ideal ruler of the Roman Empire.

Questions:

1. Who was the First Spanish Emperor? - Discuss the historical figure mentioned as “The First Spanish Emperor” and his impact on Spanish culture.

2. Legacy Exploration - What legacy did the First Spanish Emperor leave behind that continues to influence Spanish culture today?

3. Content Analysis - How does the author, Javier Reyes, present the First Spanish Emperor’s story and its significance to Spanish culture?

Spanish Word:

• Emperador - This word means “emperor” in Spanish, referring to a sovereign ruler of great power and rank, especially one ruling an empire.

Classroom Activity:

• Create a Historical Web Page: Students can design a web page dedicated to the First Spanish Emperor. They should include a biography, significant achievements, and his legacy’s impact on modern Spanish culture. This activity will help students practice web design skills and deepen their understanding of Spanish history.