A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

was three times consul under Trajan, first suffectus in A. D. 98, in which year Trajan succeeded to the empire, and twice ordinary consul in A. D. 102 and 107. He was one of the most intimate friends of Trajan, and by his strong recommendation of the latter to Nerva, had a great share in gaining for him the empire. He likewise employed his influence with Trajan to gain for Hadrian more of the emperor's favour, and he may be said thus to have placed two emperors on the throne. Trajan continued to cherish an undiminished regard for Sura as long as he lived. He frequently employed Sura to write his orations; and on the death of the latter he honoured him with a public funeral, and erected baths to perpetuate his memory. Dio Cassius relates that Sura was sent as ambassador to Decebalus in the Dacian war. Two of Pliny's letters are addressed to him. (D. C. 68.9, 15; Aurel. Vict. Cues. 13. § 8, Epit. 13. § 6; Spartian. Hadr. 2, 3 ; Julian, Caes. p. 846, Sylb.; Plin. Ep. 4.30, 7.27.)