Download The Five Good Emperors* Hadrian

‘The Five Good
Emperors’
Hadrian (Publius
Aelius Hadrianus)
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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
Political Career
• 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 101-108 he held the offices of quaestor,
tribune, praetor & finally Consul
- Held important military commands, particularly in
the Second Dacian War
• 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
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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 (6th Century), the Suleymaniye Mosque (16th Century), the
dome of the Basilica of St Peter in Rome (15th Century) and the British
Museum’s Round Reading Room (19th 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.