Year 113 CE: Historical Events and Life in the Roman Empire

In the year 113 CE, the Roman Empire was at its territorial peak under Emperor Trajan, who had recently concluded the Dacian Wars. This year marked the completion and dedication of Trajan's Column in Rome, and the emperor began preparations for his Parthian campaign, which would be his final military endeavor.

Around the world, the Eastern Han Dynasty ruled in China, the Kushan Empire flourished in South Asia, and global trade networks connected these distant regions via the Silk Road and maritime routes.

The Roman Empire in 113 CE

The year 113 CE falls within what historians consider the peak of the Roman Empire, during the reign of Emperor Trajan (98-117 CE). This period was part of the Pax Romana, a relative time of peace and prosperity that lasted from 27 BCE to 180 CE.

Territorial Extent and Administration

By 113 CE, the Roman Empire had reached its greatest territorial extent, covering approximately 5 million square kilometers and including:

  • All lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea
  • Britain in the north
  • Parts of Germania and Dacia (now Romania, annexed in 106 CE)
  • Modern-day France, Spain, and Portugal
  • The Balkans and Greece
  • Anatolia (modern Turkey)
  • The Levant and parts of Arabia
  • Egypt and the northern coast of Africa

The empire was divided into provinces, each administered by a governor appointed by the emperor. Major provinces at this time included:

  • Hispania (Spain and Portugal)
  • Gaul (France)
  • Britannia (Britain)
  • Germania
  • Italia (Italy)
  • Dacia (Romania)
  • Achaea (Greece)
  • Asia (Western Turkey)
  • Syria
  • Judaea
  • Aegyptus (Egypt)
  • Africa Proconsularis (Tunisia)

Emperor Trajan's Rule

In 113 CE, the Roman Empire was ruled by Emperor Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Traianus), who is often considered one of Rome's greatest emperors.

  • Background: Born in Hispania (modern Spain) in 53 CE, Trajan was the first emperor born outside Italy.
  • Ascension: He became emperor in 98 CE after being adopted by Emperor Nerva.
  • Military Achievements: By 113 CE, Trajan had successfully concluded the Dacian Wars (101-102 and 105-106 CE), annexing Dacia (modern Romania) to the empire. The conquest was commemorated with the construction of Trajan's Column, which was completed in 113 CE.
  • Governance: Trajan was known for his fair administration, public works, and social welfare programs.
  • Construction Projects: He invested heavily in public infrastructure throughout the empire, including roads, harbors, aqueducts, and public buildings.
  • Reputation: For centuries after his death, new emperors were wished "felicior Augusto, melior Traiano" (may you be more fortunate than Augustus and better than Trajan).

Significant Events in 113 CE

  • Trajan's Column: The dedication of Trajan's Column in Rome, commemorating the emperor's victory in the Dacian Wars. The 100-foot column featured a continuous spiral relief depicting the war campaigns and stands to this day.
  • Preparations for Parthian Campaign: Trajan began preparations for his campaign against the Parthian Empire, Rome's eastern rival. The campaign would begin later in 113 CE, marking the beginning of Trajan's final military endeavor.
  • Expansion of Trajan's Forum: Work continued on Trajan's Forum, one of the imperial forums in Rome, which included libraries, markets, and the massive Basilica Ulpia.
  • Continuation of the Alimenta Program: Trajan's alimenta program, which provided financial support to poor children throughout Italy, continued to expand.

Daily Life in the Roman Empire (113 CE)

To understand the year 113 CE fully, we need to explore what everyday life was like for the inhabitants of the Roman Empire during this period:

Life in the City of Rome

Rome itself was a sprawling metropolis with perhaps one million inhabitants in 113 CE:

  • Housing: Most residents lived in multi-story apartment buildings called insulae, while the wealthy resided in domus (single-family homes) or villas outside the city.
  • Water Supply: The city was served by 11 aqueducts, providing clean water to public fountains and some private homes.
  • Public Facilities: Rome featured numerous bathhouses, theaters, amphitheaters (including the Colosseum), circuses for chariot racing, and public latrines.
  • Diet: The average Roman diet consisted of bread, olive oil, wine, porridge, cheese, vegetables, and occasionally meat or fish.
  • Entertainment: Citizens enjoyed theatrical performances, gladiatorial combats, chariot races, and public festivals.

Economy and Trade

The Roman economy in 113 CE was sophisticated and interconnected:

  • Agriculture: The backbone of the economy, with large estates (latifundia) and small farms producing grain, olives, grapes, and other crops.
  • Manufacturing: Pottery, textiles, glassware, metalwork, and other goods were produced in workshops throughout the empire.
  • Trade: An extensive network of roads and sea routes facilitated trade. Under Trajan, the port of Ostia was expanded to better serve Rome.
  • Currency: The Roman monetary system used gold (aureus), silver (denarius), and bronze coins, facilitating a monetized economy.
  • Long-Distance Trade: Luxury goods like silk from China, spices from India, and amber from the Baltic reached Rome via trade networks.

Religion and Beliefs

Religious practices in the Roman Empire of 113 CE were diverse:

  • Traditional Roman Religion: Worship of the Roman pantheon (Jupiter, Juno, Minerva, etc.) and participation in state cults.
  • Imperial Cult: Worship of the genius (divine spirit) of the emperor, particularly in the provinces.
  • Mystery Cults: Secret religious societies dedicated to deities like Mithras, Isis, and Cybele were popular.
  • Judaism: Following the Jewish-Roman wars, Jewish communities existed throughout the empire but faced restrictions.
  • Christianity: Still a small but growing religion in 113 CE, generally viewed with suspicion by authorities. Under Trajan, Christians were not actively persecuted unless reported and refusing to recant.
  • Local Deities: Throughout the provinces, indigenous gods continued to be worshipped, often syncretized with Roman equivalents.

Architecture and Infrastructure in 113 CE

The year 113 CE was marked by significant architectural achievements in the Roman Empire, particularly under Trajan's building program:

Major Projects Completed or Underway in 113 CE

  • Trajan's Column: Completed and dedicated in 113 CE, this 100-foot marble column commemorates Trajan's victories in the Dacian Wars with a continuous spiral relief depicting the campaigns. The column stands in Trajan's Forum in Rome.
  • Trajan's Forum: The largest of the imperial forums in Rome was being completed around this time. It included the Basilica Ulpia, two libraries, and a large public square.
  • Trajan's Market: The world's oldest shopping mall, this multi-level complex of shops, offices, and apartments was part of Trajan's building program and likely operating by 113 CE.
  • Port of Trajanus: An expansion of the harbor at Ostia, Rome's port city, improving the capital's access to imported goods.
  • Arch of Trajan at Benevento: Construction may have begun around this time on this triumphal arch celebrating Trajan's achievements.

Infrastructure Throughout the Empire

The Roman Empire in 113 CE boasted impressive infrastructure:

  • Roads: Over 250,000 miles of roads connected the empire, with about 50,000 miles being stone-paved highways. Trajan expanded this network, particularly in newly conquered territories.
  • Aqueducts: Cities throughout the empire were served by aqueducts bringing fresh water. Rome itself had 11 major aqueducts by this time.
  • Bridges: Roman engineers had constructed numerous bridges, including Trajan's Bridge over the Danube (completed in 105 CE), which was the longest arch bridge in the world for over 1,000 years.
  • Public Baths: Every major city had public bath complexes. In Rome, several imperial bath complexes were operational.
  • Sewers: Urban areas featured sophisticated drainage and sewerage systems. Rome's Cloaca Maxima had been functioning for centuries.

Development in the Provinces

Trajan was known for extensive building programs throughout the provinces:

  • Spain: His home province received particular attention, with improvements to cities like Italica.
  • North Africa: Cities like Timgad and Leptis Magna saw significant development.
  • Dacia: Following its conquest (101-106 CE), Roman-style cities were being established in this newest province.
  • Asia Minor: Cities in modern Turkey benefited from imperial building programs, including aqueducts, theaters, and temples.

The World Beyond Rome in 113 CE

While the Roman Empire dominated the Mediterranean world, other significant civilizations flourished around the globe in 113 CE:

Han Dynasty China

  • The Eastern Han Dynasty ruled China under Emperor An, who had ascended to the throne in 106 CE.
  • The empire was recovering from a period of natural disasters and political instability.
  • Buddhism was gradually spreading through China.
  • Paper, invented earlier in the Han period, was in use for writing.
  • The Great Wall was being maintained and extended.
  • Trade along the Silk Road connected China with Central Asia and indirectly with Rome.

Kushan Empire

  • The Kushan Empire controlled parts of what is now Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India.
  • Under Emperor Kanishka (who may have been ruling around 113 CE), the empire reached its peak.
  • The Kushans were important patrons of Buddhism and helped spread it along trade routes.
  • Their capital at Peshawar was a major cultural center.
  • The Kushans controlled key segments of the Silk Road, facilitating trade between Rome, Persia, India, and China.

Other Major Civilizations and Regions

  • Parthian Empire: Rome's eastern rival controlled Mesopotamia and Persia (modern Iran). In 113 CE, Trajan was preparing for war against the Parthians over influence in Armenia.
  • India: Besides the Kushan-controlled north, various kingdoms ruled in central and southern India, including the Satavahana Dynasty in central India.
  • Southeast Asia: The Funan kingdom dominated the Mekong Delta region, while various other states existed across the region.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa: The Kingdom of Aksum (in modern Ethiopia and Eritrea) was a significant regional power and trading state.
  • Americas: The Moche civilization flourished on the northern coast of Peru, while the city of Teotihuacan dominated the Valley of Mexico.
  • Japan: The Yayoi period was drawing to a close, with Japan divided into numerous small kingdoms.
  • Korea: The Three Kingdoms period saw Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla competing for dominance of the Korean Peninsula.

The Parthian Campaign: Beginning of Trajan's Final War

One of the most significant events of 113 CE was Emperor Trajan's preparations for and launching of his campaign against the Parthian Empire:

Background to the Conflict

  • The Roman and Parthian Empires had been rivals for control of the Near East for centuries.
  • Armenia, positioned between the two empires, was a frequent flashpoint and buffer state.
  • In 113 CE, a dispute arose over Rome's right to appoint the Armenian king, with the Parthians installing their own candidate.
  • Trajan decided to settle the eastern question definitively through military action.

Preparations in 113 CE

  • Trajan gathered a massive army estimated at 80,000-100,000 troops, including legionaries, auxiliaries, and allied forces.
  • Supplies and logistics were arranged for what would be an extensive campaign in difficult terrain.
  • Naval forces were prepared in the eastern Mediterranean to support the land operations.
  • Diplomatic missions were sent to potential allies in the region.
  • In late 113 CE, Trajan personally left Rome for Antioch (modern Antakya, Turkey) to direct the campaign.

Subsequent Events (114-117 CE)

While these events occurred after 113 CE, they provide important context for understanding the significance of the preparations in 113 CE:

  • In 114 CE, Trajan annexed Armenia, making it a Roman province.
  • By 116 CE, Roman forces had captured the Parthian capital of Ctesiphon, and Trajan created the provinces of Mesopotamia and Assyria.
  • The empire reached its greatest extent, with Roman forces reaching the Persian Gulf.
  • However, rebellions broke out in the newly conquered territories, and Trajan was forced to withdraw from some areas.
  • While returning to Rome in 117 CE, Trajan fell ill and died, ending the campaign.
  • His successor, Hadrian, abandoned most of the eastern conquests, considering them overextensions of Roman power.

Science, Technology, and Knowledge in 113 CE

The state of human knowledge and technological development in 113 CE reflects a sophisticated pre-industrial world:

Science and Medicine

  • Galen: The famous physician was likely a young man in 113 CE (born c. 129 CE), but medical knowledge was based on earlier works by Hippocrates and others.
  • Astronomy: The works of Ptolemy (who lived slightly later, c. 100-170 CE) represent the height of Roman-era astronomical knowledge, building on earlier Greek models of a geocentric universe.
  • Mathematics: Roman numerals were used throughout the western empire, while the eastern provinces used Greek mathematical notation. More advanced mathematics existed in India, where concepts like zero were developing.
  • Natural Philosophy: The works of Aristotle remained influential in understanding the natural world, though some aspects had been challenged by later thinkers.

Engineering and Technology

  • Construction: Roman concrete (opus caementicium) allowed for revolutionary architectural achievements like domes and arches.
  • Water Management: Advanced hydraulic systems, including aqueducts, water mills, and the Archimedes screw, were in use.
  • Mechanical Devices: The Antikythera mechanism (a complex astronomical calculator) from around 100-150 BCE shows the sophistication possible in ancient mechanics.
  • Glass: Glassblowing techniques developed in the Roman period allowed for mass production of glass vessels.
  • Metallurgy: Iron and steel production was well-established, though not yet at medieval European or Chinese levels of sophistication.
  • Timekeeping: Sundials and water clocks (clepsydrae) were used to measure time.

Literary and Scholarly Knowledge

  • Libraries: Major libraries existed in Rome, Alexandria, and other cities. Trajan's Forum in Rome included two libraries, one for Greek and one for Latin texts.
  • Education: Formal education for upper-class males focused on rhetoric, literature, mathematics, and philosophy.
  • Languages: Latin dominated the western provinces, while Greek was the lingua franca of the eastern Mediterranean. Numerous local languages persisted throughout the empire.
  • Contemporary Writers: Tacitus (c. 56-120 CE) was likely working on his histories during this period. Pliny the Younger (61-c. 113 CE) may have been near the end of his life.
  • Philosophy: Stoicism was particularly influential among Roman elites, with the works of Seneca and Epictetus being widely read.

The Significance of 113 CE in History

When we examine 113 CE in the broader context of human history, several key points emerge about its significance:

Roman Empire at Its Zenith

The year 113 CE falls within what historians consider the apex of the Roman Empire:

  • Under Trajan, the empire reached its greatest territorial extent.
  • This period was part of the "Five Good Emperors" era (96-180 CE), considered a time of exceptional stability and good governance.
  • The peace and prosperity of the Pax Romana allowed for cultural exchange and economic development across a vast territory.
  • The completion of Trajan's Column in 113 CE stands as a physical monument to this peak period of Roman power.

A Turning Point?

While not apparent at the time, 113 CE also marks the beginning of developments that would eventually transform the Roman world:

  • Trajan's Parthian campaign, begun in 113 CE, represented the last major expansion of the empire. After Trajan's death in 117 CE, his successor Hadrian would adopt a more defensive policy.
  • The extensive military campaigns of this period placed strain on the empire's resources, foreshadowing later financial difficulties.
  • Christianity, though still a minority religion, was gradually spreading throughout the empire. In 112 CE, Pliny the Younger had written to Trajan about how to handle Christians in Bithynia.

Global Context

In the broader global context, 113 CE represents a time when:

  • Trade networks connected major civilizations across Eurasia and Africa, with goods, ideas, and occasionally diseases moving along these routes.
  • Several major empires (Roman, Parthian, Kushan, Han) controlled large territories, providing stability that facilitated cultural and economic exchange.
  • Buddhism was spreading from India to China, eventually transforming East Asian culture and thought.
  • Various technological developments (paper in China, Roman concrete, Indian mathematics) were advancing human capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the year 113 CE expressed in Roman numerals?

In Roman numerals, the year 113 CE would be written as CXIII. This represents 100 (C) + 10 (X) + 1 (I) + 1 (I) + 1 (I) = 113.

What was the population of the Roman Empire in 113 CE?

While exact figures are impossible to determine, historians estimate the population of the Roman Empire in the early 2nd century CE at approximately 50-60 million people. This would have represented about 20% of the world's population at the time. The city of Rome itself may have had between 750,000 and 1 million inhabitants.

What was the status of Christianity in 113 CE?

In 113 CE, Christianity was still a relatively small religion, though growing throughout the empire. Christians faced suspicion and occasional persecution but were not yet subject to empire-wide persecutions. Just a year earlier, in 112 CE, Pliny the Younger had written to Emperor Trajan asking how to handle Christians in Bithynia (modern northern Turkey). Trajan's response was pragmatic: Christians should not be actively sought out, anonymous accusations should be rejected, and those who denied being Christian or who recanted should be pardoned.

How did people in 113 CE date years?

The system we use today of counting years from the birth of Christ (the BC/AD or BCE/CE system) was not yet in widespread use in 113 CE. Romans typically dated years by naming the consuls in office (e.g., "In the consulship of Lucius Publilius Celsus and Gaius Clodius Crispinus"). They also sometimes referred to the number of years since the founding of Rome (Ab Urbe Condita or AUC). By this system, 113 CE was approximately the year 866 AUC. Other civilizations used their own calendar systems.

How accurate is our knowledge of events from 113 CE?

Our knowledge of 113 CE comes from various sources, including historical accounts, archaeological evidence, inscriptions, coins, and surviving structures like Trajan's Column. While we have a general understanding of major events and the structure of society, many details of daily life and specific events from this year remain uncertain. Some regions and social groups are better documented than others, with the lives of ordinary people, women, and non-Romans typically less well represented in the historical record.