Upon Nerva’s death on 28 January AD 98, Trajan’s ascent to the throne was seamless. His strategic tours of the Rhine and Danube frontiers, engaging directly with the legions, further solidified his support base among the military, ensuring a loyalty that was crucial for the stability of his reign. Trajan’s eventual return to Rome in AD 99 was marked by an unprecedented display of humility and engagement with both the Senate and the Roman populace. His approach to governance, characterized by an assurance to keep the Senate informed and a declaration of ruling in harmony with the people’s freedom, set a new precedent for imperial conduct.