person
Marcus Ulpius Traianus (Trajan)
Trajan
also: Trajan, Caesar Augustus, optimus princeps, Germanicus
Roman emperor AD 98–117, adopted by Nerva; the subject of the speech, hailed as optimus princeps ('the best of princes'). Pliny addresses him throughout as the model ruler.
Reading notes
- The Letters §1.17.1 our emperor
The emperor Trajan (r. AD 98-117), from whom Capito obtained leave to erect the statue.
- The Letters §2.1.2 emperor's
The reigning emperor; Verginius had declined the imperial power that others pressed upon him.
- The Letters §3.13.1 most excellent emperor
The emperor Trajan (optimus princeps), whom Pliny thanked in the speech that became the Panegyricus.
- The Letters §7.6.1 Caesar
The emperor Trajan, to whom the Varenus dispute was referred.
- The Letters §10.1.1 most holy Emperor
Trajan, who succeeded Nerva in AD 98; Pliny opens Book 10 with a prayer for the new reign.
- Panegyric to Trajan §1 the best of princes
Optimus princeps, 'the best of princes,' the honorific by which the senate and people hailed Trajan; Optimus later became an official title.
- Panegyric to Trajan §1 our prince
Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Traianus), emperor AD 98–117, the subject of the speech; he is never named outright but addressed as princeps, Caesar, and Caesar Augustus.
- Panegyric to Trajan §2 Best
The cognomen Optimus ('Best'), voluntarily added to Trajan's titles by senate and people; Pliny contrasts it with grander self-arrogated titles of earlier emperors.
- Panegyric to Trajan §4 Caesar Augustus
Caesar and Augustus were the inherited and honorific names borne by every reigning emperor; together they form the standard formal address to the princeps.
- Panegyric to Trajan §9 the name of Germanicus
Germanicus, a victory-cognomen marking success against the Germans, conferred on Trajan; Pliny notes it was 'sent from here,' i.e. voted at Rome.