‘The Five Good Emperors’ Hadrian (Publius Aelius Hadrianus) Xoxo Addy & Julia

Background Born on 24 January 76AD Hadrian came from a Roman Family that had lived in Spain for 250 years, but was most likely born and educated in Rome When he was 12, his father died leaving him in the care of his distant cousin (and future emperor), Trajan “Bereft of his father at the age of ten, he became the ward of Ulpius Trajanus, his cousin, then of praetorian rank, but afterwards emperor, and of Caelius Attianus, a knight.” -Aelius Spartianus Hadrian married Vibia Sabina in 100AD

As Trajan’s ward, Hadrian had a career in politics that was typical of other young men in his position -Held junior political posts, served on military campaigns -Eventually given commandment of legion Hadrian was given the task of informing Trajan that he would succeed Nerva With Trajan as emperor, Hadrian’s political career accelerated -Between he held the offices of quaestor, tribune, praetor & finally Consul -Held important military commands, particularly in the Second Dacian War Political Career

Trajan formally adopted Hadrian Upon Trajan’s death, the army proclaimed Hadrian his successor, a position confirmed by the Senate Succeeded Trajan, as Holy Roman Emperor at the age of 42

Social Life Had a homosexual relationship with a young greek male called Antinous Note: Homosexual relationships were not unusual in ancient Rome, a Roman was free to choose sexual partners of either partner, as long as he remained the active partner in any sexual encounter, his masculinity was not in question. Romans believed that men should always be dominant, both socially and sexually. Hadrian was profoundly affected by Antinous’ death “...the Greeks deified him at Hadrian's request, and declared that oracles were given through his agency...” -Aelius Spartianus His friends he enriched greatly, even though they did not ask it, while to those who did ask, he refused nothing. And yet he was always ready to listen to whispers about his friends, and in the end he treated almost all of them as enemies...” - Aelius Spartianus

Architecture Hadrian had a personal interest in architecture, some of the most famous buildings of Ancient Rome were constructed during his reign – became one of the lasting legacies of his reign Built many new public buildings and religious monuments throughout the empire – used buildings to unite people of the Roman Empire during his reign by spreading prosperity and creating a common identity Founded “Antinoopolis” (a new city on the banks of the Nile) where he built a large temple in Antinous’ memory Rebuilt the Pantheon in Rome completely – ‘a temple to all the gods’, was originally built during the reign of Augustus, but was burnt down in 80AD ⁻The Pantheon has influence other buildings such as the Church of the Byzantine Empire (6 th Century), the Suleymaniye Mosque (16 th Century), the dome of the Basilica of St Peter in Rome (15 th Century) and the British Museum’s Round Reading Room (19 th Century) Created a new country residence near Tivoli, which at the time it covered around 120 hectares and is the largest villa known from the Roman world. Hadrian’s Mausoleum - built himself a large tomb in the centre of Rome (modelled on that of Augustus) – bold political statement, highlighted his regard for the city and underlined his ambition to establish a new and lasting dynasty. In the Middle Ages, it was converted into a fortress and survives to this day as the Castel Sant’Angelo.

Political Reform

Succession Hadrian died at the age of 62 on 10 July AD 138 He had strengthened and revitalised the empire during his reign Hadrian and Sabina did not have any children but he ensured that there would be a smooth transition of power to his chosen successors. Hadrian ignored his own family (his great nephew, Pedanius Fuscus had hoped to succeed him). Instead, adopted Aelius Caesar, who died just 18 months later, and then Antoninus Pius. On Hadrian’s orders Antoninus Pius adopted the young Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, securing the succession for two generations.