The 100s was a decade that ran from January 1, AD 100, to December 31, AD 109. It fell within the 1st century AD and the 2nd century AD, bridging the two.
Overview
During this period, the Roman Empire continued to expand under Emperor Trajan (r. 98–117 AD). Trajan launched several successful military campaigns, most notably the Dacian Wars (101–106), which culminated in the conquest of Dacia in 106. This conquest secured Dacia's rich gold mines, estimated to contribute around 700 million Denarii per annum to the Roman economy, providing finance for Rome's future campaigns. The annexed territory underwent a gradual process of Romanization.
In East Asia, the Han dynasty saw a rapid succession of rulers: Emperor He (d. 106), Emperor Shang (r. briefly in 106), and Emperor An, who ruled under the regency of Deng Sui from 106 onward. Deng Sui proved an able regent, issuing criminal law reforms, cutting court expenses, opening imperial granaries to feed the hungry, and suppressing rebellions from the South Xiongnu and Qiang. In West Asia, Parthia saw a revolt by Osroes I against Pacorus II in 109. In South America, the Moche culture emerged in present-day Peru.
Key Events by Year
AD 100 – Trajan and Frontinus become Roman consuls. Bricks become the primary building material in the Roman Empire. Paper is used by the general populace in China. The Hopewell tradition begins in Ohio. Teotihuacan reaches a population of around 60,000–80,000. The wheelbarrow makes its first appearance in China.
AD 101 – Trajan launches the first Dacian expedition. The Third Battle of Tapae results in a Roman defeat of Dacian forces. Epictetus writes The Discourses (approximate date).
AD 102 – Trajan returns to Rome after a successful campaign against Dacia, re-establishing Roman sovereignty over King Decebalus. Chinese General Ban Chao retires and dies shortly after.
AD 103 – Pliny the Younger becomes a member of the college of Augurs. A Temple of the Sun is erected to the god Baal in Palmyra, Syria.
AD 104 – Apollodorus of Damascus builds a stone bridge over the Danube more than 1,000 meters long. A fire breaks out in Rome. The Alcántara Bridge is constructed over the Tagus River in Hispania.
AD 105 – Trajan launches the second Dacian expedition. Cai Lun refines papermaking in China. Emperor He of Han dies; Empress Deng Sui places her infant son Shang Di on the throne. The Trajan Bridge, the longest arch bridge in the world for over a thousand years, is completed.
AD 106 – Dacia is conquered and becomes a Roman province. King Decebalus commits suicide. The Nabataean Kingdom (with its capital Petra) is annexed as the province of Arabia Petraea. Emperor He of Han dies; his infant son Han Shangdi succeeds him but dies after only seven months.
AD 107 – An Indian ambassador is received by Emperor Trajan. Liu Hu becomes Emperor An of Han.
AD 108 – Tacitus writes Histories, covering the period from AD 69 to AD 96.
AD 109 – The Aqua Traiana aqueduct is inaugurated. The Baths of Trajan are dedicated. The Via Traiana is constructed. Osroes I succeeds his brother Pacorus II as ruler of the western Parthian Empire.
Significant People
- Trajan, Roman Emperor (AD 98–117)
- Pliny the Younger, Roman author and administrator
- Deng Sui, Chinese empress dowager and regent
- Tacitus, Roman historian
- Juvenal, Roman satirical poet
- Plutarch, Greek biographer (author of Parallel Lives)
- Apollodorus of Damascus, Greek architect and engineer
Notable Births
- Faustina the Elder (c. 100), Roman empress
- Justin Martyr (c. 100), Christian apologist
- Ptolemy (c. 100), Greek astronomer, geographer, and mathematician
- Herodes Atticus (101), Greek rhetorician
Notable Deaths
- Josephus (c. 100), Jewish historian
- Apollonius of Tyana (c. 100), Greek philosopher
- Ban Chao (102), Chinese general
- Martial (c. 103), Roman poet
- Pacorus II (105), Parthian king
- Decebalus (106), Dacian king (suicide)
- Emperor He of Han (106)
Culture and Society
The Alimenta, a Roman welfare program initiated by Emperor Nerva in AD 98, continued to operate during this decade. Trajan invested heavily in public amusements, carrying out a massive reconstruction of the Circus Maximus. The Buddhacharita, a Sanskrit poem about the life of the Buddha, was composed around this time. Mithraism, a Roman mystery religion viewed as a rival of early Christianity, developed during this period. Lions became extinct in Greece by AD 100.
