Often cited as the world's first multi-story shopping mall, this complex housed over 150 shops and offices. Trajan's Forum Historical landmark OpenRome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
One of the most compelling stories regarding the emperor involves his legendary . After leading a massive military expansion that brought the Roman Empire to its maximum territorial extent, Trajan reached the shores of the Persian Gulf. Watching a ship depart for India, the elderly emperor is said to have wept because he felt he was too old to follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and repeat his achievements in the East. Key Stories and Facts Marcus Traianus
: Trajan was the first Roman emperor born outside of Italy, specifically in Italica, Spain. His rise from a "provincial" background to the throne was a major turning point in Roman social and political history. Often cited as the world's first multi-story shopping
A 98-foot marble column featuring a continuous spiral relief that acts like a stone "movie" of his Dacian campaigns. Mercati di Traiano Museo dei Fori Imperiali OpenRome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy Watching a ship depart for India, the elderly
: After being adopted as heir by the unpopular Emperor Nerva, Trajan did not rush back to Rome. Instead, he stayed on the Germanic frontier for nearly a year to ensure the loyalty of the legions. He famously summoned the Praetorian Guard members who had bullied Nerva and, according to historian Cassius Dio, "put them out of the way" to restore order.