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Marcus Ulpius Traianus (father of Trajan) facts for kids

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Marcus Ulpius Traianus
Bust of Marcus Ulpius Traianus the Elder at the National Museum of Serbia.jpg
This bust might be Trajan's father or even Trajan himself.
Born Italica
Died before AD 98
Spouse Marcia
Issue Trajan and Ulpia Marciana
TRAIANUS PATER RIC II 764-711445 2
Reverse of a Roman coin from AD 115. It honors Trajan's father after he was made a god.

Marcus Ulpius Traianus was an important Roman senator who lived in the 1st century AD. He is most famous for being the father of Trajan, who later became a powerful Roman Emperor.

Trajan's Family Background

Marcus Ulpius Traianus came from the Ulpia family. This family was originally from a town called Tuder in Italy. However, Marcus was born and grew up in a Roman settlement called Italica. This town was in what is now Spain. It was founded by a famous Roman general, Scipio Africanus. He created it for soldiers who were hurt or sick after fighting wars.

The Ulpia family was one of the most important families in Italica. Marcus's father likely became a senator in Rome. This means his family was already well-known. We don't know much about his mother.

Marcus Ulpius Traianus had a sister named Ulpia. She was the grandmother of another future Roman emperor, Hadrian. Marcus married a Roman noblewoman named Marcia. Her sister was married to Titus, who also became an emperor. This connection helped Marcus in his career. Marcus and Marcia had two children: a daughter named Ulpia Marciana and a son named Marcus. Their son Marcus later became the Emperor Trajan.

Marcus Trajan's Important Career

It's not fully clear exactly when Marcus Ulpius Traianus started his career. He might have joined the Roman Senate when Claudius was emperor. Later, during the time of Nero, he may have led a Roman army group called a legion.

During the First Jewish–Roman War (from AD 67 to 68), he worked with Vespasian. Vespasian was a general who later became emperor. Marcus Ulpius Traianus commanded the Tenth Legion under Vespasian.

When Vespasian became emperor, he rewarded Marcus for his military success. Marcus became the governor of Cappadocia. He was also named a consul in AD 72. A consul was one of the highest political offices in Rome.

After being a consul, Marcus served as governor of Syria from AD 73 to 74. Then, he was a proconsul (another type of governor) of Asia from AD 79 to 80. He also served as governor of Hispania Baetica (part of modern Spain), but we don't know exactly when.

What Was Trajan's Legacy?

Marcus Ulpius Traianus lived a life full of honor and respect. It seems he passed away before his son became emperor in AD 98.

In AD 100, his son, Emperor Trajan, founded a new city in North Africa. He named it Colonia Marciana Ulpia Trajana Thamugadi. This name honored both his mother, Marcia, and his father, Marcus Ulpius Traianus. Today, this ancient city is known as Timgad in Algeria.

In AD 112, Emperor Trajan honored his father even more. He had his father officially recognized as a god. After this, Marcus Ulpius Traianus was known as Divus Traianus Pater, which means "Divine Father Trajan."

Nerva–Antonine family tree

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Marco Ulpio Trajano (cónsul 70) para niños

  • Ulpia gens
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