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Marcus Ulpius Trajanus : The Roman Emperor Trajan

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Marcus Ulpius Trajanus, notoriously known as the Roman Emperor Trajan was born September 18, most likely in the year 52 AD of Spanish origin. He was an educated man with a powerful, masculine figure. A bronze sculpture at Harvard University showcases his physique in ceremonial armor standing as if addressing his troops. He possessed a true sense of dignity and humbleness which to the Romans made him an emperor of true virtue. He was an emperor who truly enjoyed war; his passion for war came from the fact that he was very good at it. He was a brilliant general, as shown by his military achievements. He was naturally very popular with the troops, especially due to his willingness to share in the hardships alongside his soldiers. He came from an Umbrian family from Tuder in northern Italy which had chosen to settle in Spain. His father was Marcus Ulpius Trajanus, a very prominent man in terms of government. He was the first of the to reach the office of senator, commanded the Tenth Legion 'Fretensis ' in the Jewish War of 67-68 AD, and became consul around the year 70 AD. During the year 75 AD, he became governor of Syria, one of the key military provinces in the empire. Later he also was to be governor of the provinces of Baetica and Asia. While his father was governor of Syria, Trajan served as military tribune.
His path toward emperor was a long and hard one. However, he enjoyed a thriving career in government, first gaining the office of praetorship in 85 AD. Then

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