Discover the Top 11 Fun Facts About Emperor Trajan: Rome's Extraordinary Ruler Unveiled!

1. Spiraling Column Chatterbox

If Trajan's Column could talk, it would probably say, "I spiral for a living, please hold your applause": Standing majestically in Rome at a height of 35.07m, this Carrara marble marvel consists of 29 pieces and showcases a distinct helical frieze etched with lively battle depictions, although rumors of an inner spiral staircase remain unproven!
Source => arts.st-andrews.ac.uk

2. Party like Trajan

You know what they say – when in Rome, do what Trajan does! Our fun-loving emperor wasn't just your average conqueror; he was a fan of cocktails, canapés, and colossal pieces of art: Under his reign, Trajan commissioned the legendary Trajan's Column – a monumental spiral relief sculpture showcasing his wicked-cool military campaigns. This Roman masterpiece still stands tall in the city today, making it the ultimate party centerpiece.
Source => nationalgeographic.org

Did you know the iconic Caesar Salad wasn't created by Julius Caesar, nor did it originally contain anchovies? Discover the surprising truth about this popular dish's real origin and ingredients!

=> Fun Facts about Julius-Caesar

3. Trajan, the Bread Savior

Rumor has it that Trajan's bread-making side gig was mills away from ordinary: This Roman emperor's Aqua Traiana was not only an ingenious aqueduct but also powered the vital flour mills, quite literally saving Rome's buns during the Gothic Siege. When General Belisarius got his hands doughy, he tackled a sticky situation, bringing the mills back to life using the Aqua Traiana, and causing the Tiber to be a sea of floating grain magic.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

4. Scrooge McDuck Roman Style

If ancient Romans were to shout "Show me the money!" you would surely find Trajan swimming in a vault of gold coins à la Scrooge McDuck: Little did they know that his victories over the Dacians funded massive public works projects in Rome, including an imposing stone column carved with scenes from the Dacian Wars known as Trajan's Column which still stands today, making it one of the largest and well-preserved treasures from the fall of Rome.
Source => nationalgeographic.org

5. Spanish Flair in Rome

Who needs Italian seasoning when you can spice things up with a dash of Spanish flair? Trajan shows us how it's done: He was the first Roman emperor to be born outside Italy, hailing from Spain, and despite his non-noble Roman roots, he climbed the military ranks to become emperor, bringing prosperity and expansion to the Roman Empire.
Source => britannica.com

6. Rome's Monopoly Tycoon

If Rome was a game of Monopoly, Trajan would have been its ultimate tycoon, raking in properties and building hotels left and right: Known as Dacicus Maximus, or "greatest victor over the Dacians," Trajan orchestrated successful campaigns against the Dacian kingdom, expanded Rome's territory beyond the Danube River, and mined gold and silver triumphantly. And, like all classy tycoons, he commemorated his victories by building the Forum of Trajan and erecting Trajan's Column—a monumental structure with his ashes stored inside, making him Rome's real estate mogul-turned-immortal military mastermind.
Source => blogs.nottingham.ac.uk

7. Gladiator's Supermarket Sweep

Picture the bustling streets of ancient Rome, with toga-wearing shoppers weaving in and out of stores like contestants in the gladiatorial version of Supermarket Sweep: This retail frenzy was all thanks to Trajan's Market, a groundbreaking three-story complex packed with shops, apartments, and government offices, considered to be the forerunner to today's malls and a testament to the stunning skill of Roman urban architects.
Source => whatalifetours.com

8. Ancient Roman Epic Meal Time

Get ready to dab in delight with this ancient Roman Epic Meal Time: Trajan's alimenta program was a welfare initiative that, between 98 AD and 272 AD, supported poor children and orphans in Italy with cash, subsidized education, and food, funded by his Dacian conquests and estate taxes on landowners – sadly bypassing grannies on pension day.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

9. The Fallen Bridge Survivor

Ever heard of the real-life version of London Bridge falling down? Well, Trajan had a bridge, but sadly, it's no longer around: Trajan's Bridge, built over the Danube River, once boasted the longest arch span of 54 meters each and a total length of 1,070 meters, but Emperor Aurelian had it demolished after the Roman conquest of Dacia, leaving only remnants in Kostol, Serbia, and Turnu Severin, Romania for us to marvel at today.
Source => icpdr.org

10. Rome's Sugar Daddy

Before he was out building bridges, Rome's mamas and papas knew Trajan as the original sugar daddy: Under his glorious reign, the emperor not only prioritized constructing jaw-dropping bridges, roads, and aqueducts, but also introduced financial aid for struggling parents, truly embodying the spirit of welfare and progress.
Source => mintageworld.com

11. Ancona's Arch Adventure

Arch you glad you came to Ancona? You'll find the Romans certainly were, thanks to their beloved emperor, Trajan: He personally funded the expansion of the city's port, as well as enhancing the docks and fortifications. In appreciation, the folks of Ancona raised an impressive 18.5-meter triumphal arch, designed by a renowned Greek Syrian architect, Apollodorus of Damascus. Inscriptions are carved into marble sourced from Marmara Island, while statues and gilding once decorated it, but sadly, were taken by the Saracens in 848. To this day, the arch remains a monumental testament to Trajan's visionary leadership and holds strong after some recent spruce-ups, such as adding some steps and gate removals.
Source => en.wikipedia.org