Trajan, one of the most admired Roman emperors, ruled from 98 to 117 CE and is remembered for his military conquests, public works, and wise governance. While his achievements as a leader are well documented, many people wonder about his personal life, particularly whether Trajan had a wife. Given the prominence of imperial marriages in Roman society, understanding this aspect of Trajan’s life can help shed light on his reign and the political dynamics of the Roman Empire during the second century CE.
Who Was Emperor Trajan?
Background and Rise to Power
Trajan, born Marcus Ulpius Traianus in 53 CE in Hispania (modern-day Spain), was the first Roman emperor of provincial origin. He rose through the military ranks and gained favor under Emperor Nerva, who adopted him as his heir. Upon Nerva’s death, Trajan became emperor and quickly established himself as a capable and popular leader.
Achievements as Emperor
Trajan expanded the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent by leading successful campaigns in Dacia (modern-day Romania), Arabia, and Mesopotamia. He is also known for his extensive public building projects, including Trajan’s Market, Trajan’s Forum, and the iconic Trajan’s Column. Under his rule, Rome experienced a period of peace and prosperity often referred to as part of the ‘Five Good Emperors’ era.
Trajan’s Marriage to Pompeia Plotina
The Empress of Rome
Yes, Trajan had a wife. Her name was Pompeia Plotina. She became Roman Empress upon Trajan’s ascension to the throne in 98 CE and remained a significant figure throughout his reign. Though historical records about her are limited, she is often praised for her dignity, wisdom, and moral character.
Personality and Public Image
Pompeia Plotina was admired for her humility and concern for the welfare of Roman citizens. According to ancient sources, when she first entered the imperial palace, she reportedly said that she hoped to remain the same person she had always been humble, just, and modest. This statement was widely quoted and became a symbol of her character.
Role in Roman Society
Although Roman empresses typically did not wield formal political power, they often influenced decisions behind the scenes and played important ceremonial roles. Plotina is believed to have supported philosophical and educational initiatives, including reforms in the legal and taxation systems. She was also a supporter of the Epicurean philosophical school in Athens and may have helped elevate their status within the Roman world.
The Marriage Dynamic
No Known Children
Trajan and Pompeia Plotina did not have any children. This absence of heirs likely played a role in Trajan’s decision to adopt Hadrian as his successor. Some historians have speculated that the couple may have had a platonic or formal relationship rather than a romantic one, although there is no definitive evidence to support this claim.
Speculations About Trajan’s Personal Preferences
Some ancient sources and modern historians have speculated about Trajan’s personal life and preferences, with claims that he may have been more interested in male companions. However, such accounts are based on limited and often biased information. What is clear is that Plotina remained by Trajan’s side throughout his reign and was widely respected in Roman society.
Plotina’s Influence After Trajan’s Death
Succession and Hadrian
After Trajan’s death in 117 CE while on campaign in the East, the succession process was reportedly influenced by Plotina. According to some accounts, Plotina, along with Trajan’s close confidant and governor of Syria, Publius Aelius Hadrianus (Hadrian), may have orchestrated the adoption of Hadrian as Trajan’s heir in his final moments. Although the exact circumstances are debated, Plotina’s support for Hadrian’s succession was crucial.
Later Life and Death
Plotina lived for several years after Trajan’s death and maintained her status and influence during the early part of Hadrian’s reign. She died around 121122 CE. Hadrian, honoring her legacy, had her deified by the Roman Senate, a rare honor that reflected her esteemed position in Roman history.
Pompeia Plotina’s Legacy
Respect and Admiration
Despite the relatively limited information about her life, Pompeia Plotina is remembered as an ideal Roman empress. Her reputation for modesty and wisdom stood in contrast to the often scandalous depictions of other imperial women. She played her role with grace and left a lasting impression on Roman society.
Memorials and Honors
Plotina was honored with inscriptions and statues during and after her lifetime. Though few physical monuments remain, her name appears in surviving Roman records and coins. The respect shown to her by both Trajan and Hadrian demonstrates the impact she had within the imperial family and broader Roman elite.
So, did Trajan have a wife? Yes, he did. Trajan was married to Pompeia Plotina, a woman known for her intelligence, virtue, and influence. While they had no children and their marriage may not have followed conventional norms, their partnership helped shape a stable and prosperous era in Roman history. Plotina played a significant role both during and after Trajan’s reign, particularly in ensuring a smooth succession through Hadrian. Her legacy, though quiet and dignified, remains a notable part of the Roman imperial story.
Understanding the marriage of Trajan and Plotina gives us a more complete picture of imperial life in ancient Rome. Beyond the military victories and architectural triumphs, the relationships and personal dynamics of emperors had real consequences for governance and historical legacy. Pompeia Plotina’s partnership with one of Rome’s greatest emperors offers a glimpse into the quiet power that an empress could hold in shaping the future of an empire.