Portrait of Trajan as elderly man

A portrait – in the form of a tondo – showing Trajan as an elderly man, on whom are seen marks of: time and stress. The object is dated 117 CE; shortly before his death. Currently, the artifact is in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara (Turkey).

Trajan travelled throughout the Empire for most of his rule (98-117 CE) and personally commanded military campaigns (including against the Parthians). Ancient sources are very favourable to the emperor. For example, Pliny the Younger presents Trajan as a wise and just ruler; Cassius Dio spoke in a similar tone, considering him honest and respected.