Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How did Trajan gain the favor of the emperor Domitian?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Trajan
Trajan, detail of a marble bust; in the British Museum.
Trajan gained the favor of the emperor Domitian through his military service during a period of internal revolt. In 89 CE, Trajan was ordered to lead his troops from Spain to the Rhine River to help suppress a rebellion against Domitian led by the governor of Upper Germany. Although Trajan likely arrived after the revolt had already been quelled by the governor of Lower Germany, his loyalty and participation in the effort were clearly recognized by the emperor. As a result of this favor, Domitian granted Trajan one of the two prestigious consulships in 91 CE.1