Marble bust of the emperor Trajan, Hadrian’s predecessor and guardian.

The bust, one of many issued to commemorate the emperor Trajan’s Decennalia (tenth anniversary of his accession – he reigned AD 98-117), shows him in the style of a Hellenistic ruler, with his upper body bared and his head slightly turned. Trajan was born at Italica near Seville in modern Spain, and was the first non-Italian emperor, reflecting the political and economic shifts taking place within the Roman empire.

Under Trajan the empire reached its greatest extent, with the conquests of Mesopotamia (modern Iraq), and Dacia (modern Romania).

British Museum- Marble Bust of Trajan

See also-

• Coins of Trajan, 98-117 CE
• Statue of Trajan, 100-110 CE
• Cameo of Trajan and Plotina, 105-115 CE
• Relief of Trajan, c. 115 CE
• Jewish Revolt against Trajan, 115-117 CE