Trajan

Trajan takes power after Nerva was bullied by the Praetorian Guard into adopting him, or face the prospect of civil war. Trajan, a provincial solider from Spain (like Nerva), had risen to no small amount of success under Domitian and Nerva, and indeed had to work hard to distance himself from Domitian throughout his rule. Trajan is remembered as "optimus Princeps", a second Augustus (the best princes), harking back to Augustan tradition.
 * most good emperors held offices for a decade or more (coherent agenda that they were able to carry out)

Senatorial Relationship

 * Openly rejects Domitian's claim of "dominus et deus"
 * has Pliny write a panegyric for Trajan; importantly Trajan's rejection of Domitian emphasized
 * endorses Augustan ideology in "beneficial ideology" ; emperor as kindly father who lovingly provides for his children
 * esp. provinces; very good at dealing with provinces without taking away from their independence
 * continues promoting alimenta
 * establishes veterans colonies
 * funded public buildings, not only in Rome, in the provinces as well

Building Projects

 * builds a market, and bridges and roads
 * forum of Trajan (has a library)
 * erects a column of victory over Dacians

Military Campaigns
Affords all of this by conducting several successful campaigns, especially against the Dacians. The Roman empire reaches it's greatest size under his reign.
 * famously beats the Dacians (near Germany)
 * renews conflict with the Parthians; long-time old enemy of Rome
 * isn't very sucessful, and actually dies in midst of battle
 * Annexes Arabia
 * campaigns in Armenia and Mesopotamia

Provincial Relations
Trajan followed in footsteps of Augustus, allowed provinces to be self-governing and continue to collect taxes. Tried to avoid exerting overt control over provinces.

Trajan recognizes that this had the negative effect of running rampantly out of control, while Rome was less aware of the situation in provinces. He allows the provinces to be self governing, but elects procurators (caretakers) who are concerned with handling specific civil problems of these provinces, who report directly to him. Expansionist but not exploitive, though he is definitely very explotive of Dacia.
 * famously, Pliny and Trajan correspond over how to handle Christians in Bithynia

Death and Succession
Dies while on extended campaign, trying to quell the Parthians, apparently of natural causes, Trajan's close military friend Hadrian succeeds him. Didn't adopt Hadrian, but made clear intended Hadrian to rule in his stead.