Nerva, Roman emperor (b. 35)
Understanding the Year AD 98: A Glimpse into Roman History and Calendar Evolution
AD 98, also designated as XCVIII in Roman numerals, marked a common year that commenced on a Monday according to the Julian calendar. This specific year holds historical significance not only for the notable events that transpired within the Roman Empire but also for its role in the evolution of how years were historically tracked and named.
Dating AD 98 in the Roman World
During its contemporary era, the year we now call AD 98 was primarily identified through two distinct Roman dating conventions:
- The Year of the Consulship of Nerva and Trajan: The most prevalent method of dating for the Romans involved naming the year after the two ordinary consuls who held office. For AD 98, these distinguished individuals were the Emperor Nerva, serving his fourth consulship, and his adopted heir, Trajan, who was then in his second consulship. The consulship was a prestigious and powerful office in the Roman Republic and continued to be an important ceremonial and administrative role under the Empire, providing a clear reference point for chronological order.
- Year 851 Ab Urbe Condita (AUC): Less frequently, the year was also referenced as 851 AUC, which translates to "from the founding of the City." This system counted years from the traditional legendary founding date of Rome, which is set at 753 BCE (Before the Common Era). Thus, 851 years had passed since Rome's foundation by this reckoning.
The Advent of the Anno Domini Calendar Era
The denomination "AD 98" for this particular year, as we universally recognize it today, did not come into common use until much later. Its widespread adoption began during the early medieval period. This was a pivotal time when the Anno Domini (AD) calendar era, meaning "in the year of the Lord," originated by Dionysius Exiguus in the 6th century CE, progressively became the predominant and standard method for naming and reckoning years across Europe. Its eventual global acceptance provided a unified chronological framework for historical record-keeping.
Significant Events of AD 98: The Succession of Trajan
Beyond its calendrical definitions, AD 98 was a year of profound imperial transition within the Roman Empire. On January 27, 98 CE, the reigning Emperor Nerva, a respected and moderate ruler who had initiated the practice of adopting his successor, passed away. His death paved the way for the peaceful and legitimate ascension of his chosen heir, Trajan. Trajan's succession was remarkably smooth, marking a critical moment as he became the first Roman emperor of non-Italian origin (hailing from Hispania Baetica, modern Spain). His reign, which would last until AD 117, is widely considered one of the most prosperous and expansive periods in Roman history, characterized by military success, administrative efficiency, and significant public works.
Frequently Asked Questions about AD 98
- What kind of year was AD 98 in the Julian calendar?
- AD 98 was a common year, meaning it had 365 days, and it began on a Monday.
- How did ancient Romans refer to the year AD 98?
- Romans commonly referred to it by the names of the consuls, Nerva (for his fourth time) and Trajan (for his second time). Less often, they used the "Ab Urbe Condita" system, dating it as 851 AUC, meaning 851 years from the founding of Rome.
- When did the "AD" designation for years like AD 98 become prevalent?
- The Anno Domini (AD) system, which gives us the "AD 98" designation, gained widespread use in Europe during the early medieval period, becoming the dominant method for chronological record-keeping.
- What was a major historical event that occurred in AD 98?
- A crucial event in AD 98 was the death of Emperor Nerva and the subsequent, peaceful ascension of his adopted son and chosen successor, Trajan, to the imperial throne, ushering in a significant era for the Roman Empire.