14. An Aureus of Emperor Trajan with the inscription IMP CAESAR NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM. Trajan, who reigned from 98 until 117, was born in Spain and was therewith the first Roman Emperor from the province. In a conventional army career he succeeded in becoming an officer, consul and general. In the year 97, under the pressure of the senate and the army, he was selected by Emperor Nerva as his adoptive son and co-regent. After Nervas death he ruled the Roman Empire which, thanks to new conquests, reached its biggest expansion under his reign. With the war booty, especially from the campaign against the Dacians, he was able to finance magnificent buildings in Rome which still bear his name: the Trajan’s Forum and the famous Trajan’s Column.