Final answer:
Trajan was born in the Roman province of Hispania Baetica, which corresponds to modern-day Spain, not Italy. Trajan's rule as emperor saw the Roman Empire reach its largest scope, and he is remembered as one of the 'good emperors'. The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marcus Ulpius Traianus, known as Trajan, was born in the Roman province of Hispania Baetica. Contrary to sometimes being conflated with Italy, his birthplace is in fact located in modern-day Spain. As a province of the ancient Roman Empire, Hispania Baetica was a region that contributed to the cultural and political diversity of the empire.
Trajan, rising through the ranks of the Roman military, eventually became emperor from 98 to 117 CE. His leadership was marked by military conquests and expansions that brought the empire to its greatest extent, including territories across modern-day England to Romania and parts of North Africa. The Roman Empire during Trajan's rule held no other civilizations in high regard outside its borders, except for the Persians.
However, it is important to acknowledge that Italy, as we understand it today as a unified country, did not exist until the 19th century. In ancient times, Italy was a region composed of various tribes, including the Etruscans and Latins, amongst whom the Romans were just one group.
Hence, Option b is correct.