TrajanImperator Caesar Divi Nervae filius Nerva Traianus Optimus Augustus Germanicus Dacicus Parthicus 53 CE to 117 CE - Adopted son of Emperor Nerva. Trajan was from a well respected family that had the support of the Roman army. He was appointed to succeed Nerva as the next Emperor. His reign saw much prosperity in the expansion of Roman territories and also in public affairs. Public buildings and the road network were greatly expanded during his rule.