Hadrian

Hadrian, born Publius Aelius Hadrianus on January 24, 76 AD, was a Roman emperor from 117 to 138 AD, known for his extensive building projects, including Hadrian’s Wall in Britain, and his efforts to consolidate and secure the Roman Empire. His reign marked a period of relative peace and stability, focusing on the empire’s internal development rather than expansion.

“Hadrian was a pleasant man to meet and he possessed a certain charm.” “wrote Cassius Dio the Roman Historian.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Hadrian was born in Italica, near modern-day Seville in Spain, into a well-connected Roman family. He was related to the future emperor Trajan, who became his guardian after Hadrian’s father’s death. Hadrian received a thorough education in literature, rhetoric, and military affairs, which prepared him for a life in public service.

His early career involved various military and administrative roles, including a stint as a military tribune. Hadrian married Vibia Sabina, Trajan’s grand-niece, which further solidified his political connections. During Trajan’s reign, Hadrian served as a governor of Syria and played a crucial role in the emperor’s Parthian campaign.

Ascension to Emperor

In 117 AD, upon Trajan’s death, Hadrian was proclaimed emperor by the army, likely with the support of Trajan’s widow, Plotina. His ascension was not without controversy, as some questioned the legitimacy of Trajan’s alleged adoption of Hadrian as his successor. Despite this, Hadrian secured his position and began his rule by consolidating the empire’s borders.

Reign as Emperor

Hadrian’s reign is often seen as a period of consolidation and stabilisation. Unlike his predecessors, who sought to expand the empire, Hadrian focused on securing its existing territories. One of his most famous projects was the construction of Hadrian’s Wall in northern Britain, which marked the northern limit of Roman territory and served as a defence against the tribes in Scotland.

Hadrian was also known for his extensive travels across the Roman Empire. He visited nearly every province, strengthening military defences, overseeing building projects, and fostering good relations with local populations. These travels were unprecedented for a Roman emperor and demonstrated his hands-on approach to governance.

Cassius Dio writes (around 220 AD)

“Hadrian travelled through one province after another, visiting the various regions and cities and inspecting all the garrisons and forts. Some of these he removed to more desirable places, some he abolished, and he also established some new ones. 2 He personally viewed and investigated absolutely everything, not merely the usual appurtenances of camps, such as weapons, engines, trenches, ramparts and palisades, but also the private affairs of everyone, but of the men serving in the ranks and of the officers themselves, — their lives, their quarters and their habits, — and he reformed and corrected in many cases practices and arrangements for living that had become too luxurious. 3 He drilled the men for every kind of battle, honouring some and reproving others, and he taught them all what should be done. And in order that they should be benefited by observing him, he everywhere led a rigorous life and either walked or rode on horseback on all occasions, never once at this period setting foot in either a chariot or a four-wheeled vehicle.”

Cultural and Architectural Contributions

Hadrian was a patron of the arts and an admirer of Greek culture. His reign is marked by significant architectural and cultural developments. He commissioned the construction of the Pantheon in Rome, one of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome, and the Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa) in Tivoli, a sprawling complex that reflected his love for Greek and Egyptian architecture.

Hadrian was also responsible for the completion of the Temple of Venus and Roma in Rome, the largest temple in the city. His interest in architecture and culture extended beyond Rome; he initiated the reconstruction of Jerusalem, which included the construction of a new temple dedicated to Jupiter on the site of the former Jewish temple, a move that led to the Bar Kokhba revolt.

Personal Life and Legacy

Hadrian is also remembered for his close relationship with Antinous, a young Greek from Bithynia. Antinous’ untimely death in 130 AD devastated Hadrian, leading him to deify the youth and establish a cult in his honour. The city of Antinopolis was founded in Egypt in his memory, and many statues and coins depicting Antinous were produced.

Hadrian’s health began to decline in the later years of his reign. He adopted Antoninus Pius as his successor on the condition that Antoninus would adopt Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as his heirs. Hadrian died on July 10, 138 AD, at his villa in Baiae. He was buried initially at Puteoli, but his remains were later moved to Rome and placed in the Mausoleum of Hadrian, now known as Castel Sant’Angelo.

Conclusion

Hadrian’s reign is often seen as a turning point in Roman history, marking the transition from the expansionist policies of earlier emperors to a focus on consolidation and cultural patronage. His architectural legacy and efforts to secure the empire’s borders left a lasting impact on the Roman world. Hadrian is remembered as one of the “Five Good Emperors,” a group of emperors whose reigns were characterized by relative peace, prosperity, and good governance.

References

• Hadrian Roman History Epitome of Book LXIX (Cassius Dio)
• Following Hadrian – a collection of photos from the many places Hadrian visited and the architecture commissioned.