Hadrian

Publius Aelius Traianus Hadrianus (January 24 76-July 10 138), known as Hadrian in English, was Roman emperor from 117-138, and a member of the gens Aelia. Hadrian was the third of the "Five Good Emperors". However, he was, according to Elizabeth Speller, the first Emperor whose assessment moved beyond the stereotype of good and bad emperors. His reign has a faltering beginning, a glorious middle but a tragic conclusion{{ref|3phase}}.

Early life

Hadrian was born in Italica, Baetica, which today is near modern Seville, Spain. He was the son of the prominent Baetican Publius Hadrianus Afer. His mother was Domitia Paulina of Gades. After his father died (probably in 85) Hadrian became the ward of Acilius Attianus and the future Emperor Trajan{{ref|ward}}. Hadrian was schooled in various subjects particular to young aristocrats of the day, and was so fond of learning Greek literature that he was nicknamed Graeculus ("Little Greek").

Related Topics:
Italica - Baetica - Baetican - Publius Hadrianus Afer - Gades - 85 - Acilius Attianus - Aristocrat - Greek

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hadrian enlisted in the army sometime in the reign of Domitian. His first service was as a tribune of the Legio II Adiutrix. Later, he was to be transferred to the I Minervia in Germany. When Nerva died in 98, Hadrian rushed to inform Trajan personally. He later became legate of a legion in Upper Pannonia and eventually governor of said province. He was also archon in Athens for a brief time, and was elected an Athenian citizen.

Related Topics:
Domitian - Tribune - Legio II ''Adiutrix'' - I ''Minervia'' - Germany - Nerva - 98 - Legate - Legion - Pannonia - Archon - Athens

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hadrian was active in the wars against the Dacians (as legate of the V Macedonica) and reputedly won awards from Trajan for his successes. Due to an absence of military action in his reign, Hadrian's military skill is not well attested, however his keen interest and knowledge of the army and his demonstrated skill of administration show possible strategic talent.

Related Topics:
Dacia - V ''Macedonica''

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hadrian joined Trajan's expedition against Parthia as a legate on Trajan?s staff{{ref|legate}}. Neither during the initial victorious phase, nor during the second phase of the war when rebellion swept Mesopotamia did Hadrian do anything of note. However when the governor of Syria had to be sent sort out renewed troubles in Dacia, Hadrian was appointed as a replacement, giving him an independent command{{ref|syria}}. By now Trajan was seriously ill and he decided to return to Rome while Hadrian remained in Syria to guard the Roman rear. Trajan only got as far as Selinus before he became too ill to go further. Hadrian, however much he was the obvious successor had still not been adopted as Trajan's heir. As Trajan lay dying, nursed by his wife and supporter of Hadrian, Plotina, he at last adopted Hadrian as heir. Then he died. Allegations that the order of events was the other way round have never quite been resolved{{ref|Allegations}}.

Related Topics:
Syria - Selinus

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~