Until the publication of this captivating biography, no such volume on
Trajan's life has been tailored to the general reader. The unique book
illuminates a neglected period of ancient Roman history, featuring a
comprehensive array of maps, illustrations, and photographs to help
orientate and bring the text to life.
Trajan rose from fairly obscure beginnings to become the emperor of
Rome. He was born in Italica, an Italic settlement close to modern
Seville in present-day Spain, and is the first Roman Emperor to be born
outside of Rome. His remarkable rise from officer to general and then to
emperor in just over 20 years reveals a shrewd politician who maintained
absolute power. Trajan's success in taking the Roman Empire to its
greatest expanse is highlighted in this gripping biography.
Trajan's military campaigns allowed the Roman Empire to attain its
greatest military, political and cultural achievements. The book draws
on novel theories, recent evidence and meticulous research, including
field visits to Italy, Spain, Germany and Romania to ensure accurate,
vivid writing that transports the reader to Trajan's territory.