Sima Lun vs Trajan

A coalition of princes led by Sima Jiong, Sima Ying, and Sima Yong attacked the capital Luoyang. Sima Lun was defeated, forced to abdicate, and executed. His brief reign lasted only a few months, ending the first phase of the War of Eight Princes.

Sima Lun, Prince of Zhao, deposed Emperor Hui of Jin and declared himself emperor. His usurpation triggered the War of Eight Princes, a devastating civil war among the Jin imperial clan that weakened the dynasty and led to barbarian invasions.

Trajan expanded the Alimenta program, a state-funded welfare system that provided food subsidies and educational support for poor children in Italy. The program used interest from state loans to landowners to fund the distributions, aiming to boost the Italian population and agricultural economy.

Trajan ordered the construction of a massive stone and timber bridge across the Danube River near the Iron Gates. Designed by Apollodorus of Damascus, it was the longest arch bridge in the world for over a millennium, facilitating the Roman invasion of Dacia.

Trajan led two major campaigns against the Dacian kingdom under King Decebalus, culminating in the conquest of Dacia (modern Romania) in 106 CE. The victory brought vast gold and silver mines under Roman control and established a new province, funding massive building projects in Rome.

Trajan commissioned the construction of Trajan's Forum, a vast complex in Rome including a basilica, libraries, and the Column of Trajan. The adjacent Trajan's Market, a multi-level commercial center, demonstrated Roman engineering prowess and served as a model for urban planning.

Trajan launched a campaign against the Parthian Empire, capturing its capital Ctesiphon and annexing Mesopotamia. He reached the Persian Gulf, marking the easternmost extent of Roman territory. However, rebellions in the conquered territories forced a withdrawal shortly after.