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His father was a general and governor and was later enrolled in the Senate. Trajan grew up in Rome, and he served with his father in Syria, and he later enjoyed the favor of Emperor Domitian. In 91 AD, he served as consul.<ref>Bennet, p. 34</ref> In 96 AD, Domitian was assassinated in a conspiracy, and Nerva ascended the throne. Trajan was governor of Lower Germany and was in command of several legions, and was an essential power broker in the years after Domitian's death. Nerva, who was advanced in years, adopted him as his son and heir.<ref>Bennet, p 46</ref>

[[File: Trajan Four.jpg|300px|thumb|left| Petra the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, today]]

In 98 AD, Trajan became Emperor after the death of Nerva. Trajan proved to be an energetic ruler and immediately reduced the influence of the Praetorian Guard.<ref> Mommsen, Theodor A History of Rome Under the Emperors (London: Routledge, 1999), p 113</ref> He secured support by offering donations to the legions and the population of Rome and reduced taxes.