Emperor Trajan — Attraction in London

Emperor Trajan, full name Marcus Ulpius Traianus, was one of the most significant and respected Roman emperors, reigning from 98 to 117 AD. Here's an overview of his life and accomplishments:

Early Life: Trajan was born in 53 AD in the Roman province of Hispania Baetica, in what is now Spain. He came from a non-aristocratic background but rose through the ranks of the Roman military due to his talent and abilities.

Military Career: Trajan's military career was illustrious. He served in various capacities, including as a military tribune in Syria and as legate of a legion in Hispania Tarraconensis. He gained a reputation for his leadership skills and military successes.

Accession to the Throne: Trajan became emperor in 98 AD after the death of Emperor Nerva, who adopted him as his successor. His accession was smooth, and he was hailed as a capable and popular ruler.

Domestic Policies: Trajan implemented various domestic reforms during his reign, focusing on improving infrastructure, social welfare, and public services. He is credited with extensive building projects in Rome and throughout the empire, including roads, bridges, and aqueducts.

Military Campaigns: Trajan's most significant military campaign was the Dacian Wars (101–102 and 105–106 AD), which resulted in the annexation of the kingdom of Dacia (modern-day Romania) into the Roman Empire. This conquest brought immense wealth and resources to Rome.

Expansion of the Empire: Trajan's conquests extended the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent. In addition to Dacia, he also annexed territories in the Near East, including parts of Mesopotamia, Arabia, and Armenia.

Cultural Patronage: Trajan was a patron of the arts and culture, sponsoring numerous building projects and public works. He is especially known for the construction of Trajan's Forum and Trajan's Column in Rome, which commemorate his victory in the Dacian Wars.

Succession and Legacy: Trajan adopted his cousin Hadrian as his successor on his deathbed in 117 AD. He is remembered as one of Rome's greatest emperors, known for his military prowess, administrative reforms, and contributions to Roman culture and civilization.

Trajan's reign is often considered a period of prosperity and stability for the Roman Empire, and he remains a revered figure in Roman history. His achievements in military conquests, public works, and cultural patronage have left an indelible mark on the legacy of...

Trajan is shown bareheaded and wearing a tunic, holding a scroll in his left hand while gesturing with his right hand raised. A plaque at its base contains the inscription: STATUE BELIEVED TO BE OF THE ROMAN EMPEROR TRAJAN/ A.D. 98–117/ IMPERATOR CAESAR NERVA TRAJANUS AUGUSTUS/ PRESENTED BY THE TOWER HILL IMPROVEMENT TRUST AT THE/ REQUEST OF THE REVEREND P. B. CLAYTON, CH, MC, DD, /FOUNDER PADRE OF TOC H. The statue was installed in 1980 as a bequest from P. B. "Tubby" Clayton, the vicar of All Hallows-by-the-Tower.The Museum of London believes the figure to have been recovered from a scrapyard in Southampton in the 1920s, and notes that its head does not match its body.There is no information presented at the site about the sculptor. It is a cast of a late 1st century statue found in Minturno, which is on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. The upper part of the head is the result of restoration;other casts are in Rome (at the via dei Fori Imperiali and Museum of Roman Civilization), Ancona and Benevento. Trajan presided over the second-greatest military expansion in Roman history, after Augustus, leading the empire to attain its maximum territorial extent by the time of his death. He never himself...

Right outside Tower Hill Underground Station, just steps from the Tower of London, stands a striking statue of Emperor Trajan—a brilliant (and slightly unexpected) nod to London’s Roman past. It’s easy to walk past without a second glance, but take a moment and you’ll discover a piece of ancient history in the middle of modern London.

Trajan ruled the Roman Empire at its greatest extent, and this statue—positioned beside part of the original Roman wall—is a quiet reminder that London (then Londinium) was once a bustling Roman settlement. The statue itself is a copy of a classical Roman original, and while its placement may seem random, it actually highlights the layers of history hidden throughout the city.

Perfect for a quick photo and a great conversation starter if you’re exploring the area. History lovers will appreciate the significance—and even if you’re not, it’s a cool and unexpected sight right outside the Tube. One of those little gems that makes London so...