Hadrian

Hadrian (76-138 CE) was born Publius Aelius Hadrianus and named Roman emperor in 117 CE. Nephew and successor to Trajan, he executed his senatorial opponents, abandoned Trajan’s conquests in Armenia and Mesopotamia, and coped with unrest in Mauretania and Parthia. He traveled widely, and many of his accomplishments were related to his visits abroad. He began construction of Hadrian’s Wall (England), completed the temple of Zeus in Athens, created a federation of Greek cities, launched a building program at Delphi, and was initiated into the Eleusinian mysteries. He named Antoninus Pius his successor, to be followed by Marcus Aurelius.

Hadrian is well-known for his dedication to his lover Antinoüs, who drowned in the Nile in 130 CE. Hadrian grieved openly, erecting statues of the young man throughout the empire. These renderings of Antinoüs set a new standard of youthful beauty in sculpture; the low brow, full lips, and brooding look are still recognizable today. Cults to Antinoüs were popular across the empire, and the city of Antinoöpolis, Egypt, commemorated his death.

Four complete poems of Hardrian’s survive, including “Little Soul,” which was purportedly composed as he lay dying.