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HadrianSocial Studies 9th EGB

Teacher: Mauricio Torres

Introduction

Known as a travelling emperor, Hadrian was one of the most appreciated emperors in the history of Rome.

A just ruler and the driving force behind many architectural projects all over the empire.

He succeeded Trajan as the fourteenth emperor.

Young Hadrian

Born in the year 76, possibly in Italica Hispania, as Publius Aelius Hadrianus.

When he was 14 he moved to Rome. His first military service was as Tribune

under Trajan. Later, he was declared successor to Trajan,

according to sources, thanks to Trajan’s wife. Anyways, Trajan trusted him more than

enough and respected him even more.

The Wanderer

For better part of his reign (12 years out of 21), he was absent from Rome, travelling all over the provinces: Overseeing the administration: he was concerned

with all aspects of government and justice. and checking the discipline of the army: his devotion

to the common soldier was such, that as his predecessor, he would eat, sleep and march along with them.

As a Ruler

Considered by many historians to be wise and just. Schiller called him “the empire’s first

servant” Gibbon admired his “vast and active genius”.

He forbade torture, and even though he did not end slavery, he mitigated it.

Public works were built: libraries, aqueducts baths and theaters!

“Peace through Strength”

He surrendered Trajan’s conquests in Mesopotamia, because they were indefensible.

He chose not to engage in any major military conflicts. Only the Second Roman-Jewish war.

Hadrian avoided war with Parthia Focused mainly on securing the borders

by building watchtowers, fortresses, outposts and improving communications.

Building Projects

His longest lasting legacy were his building projects. He established cities along the

Balkans, Egypt, Asia Minor, Greece (his love for Greece was such that he was nicknamed Graeculus).

In Rome he rebuilt the Pantheon and finished Trajan’s Forum; among many baths, villas and other buildings.

Some of these structures still stand today!

Hadrian´s Wall

His most significant architectural achievement is definitively the wall in Britain, which carries his name.

Built in the year 122, when he visited Britain, it marked the northern border or the empire in the British isles. It wasn’t built only as protection, but

also as a show of Roman power.

Around it, small merchant towns developed and gave a sense of security for Romans and Britons alike.

It represented his “peace through strength policy”.

Castel Sant’Angelo

His tomb was nothing short of a marvelous work of architecture. Castel Sant’Angelo is a towering cylindrical

building in Rome, Italy. It was initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family.

The building was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum.

The Castel was once the tallest building in Rome!

Castel Sant’Angelo

Hobbies and Fun Facts

We know a lot about Hadrian’s “extra curricular” activities. He loved architecture, even though, apparently

he only had good taste, but was not good at it. He wrote poetry and also an autobiography. Hadrian loved hunting since he was a small kid.

He also made the beard popular in Rome! This was due to the influence of Greek culture.

Final Days

He spent most of his final days in Rome.

After 21 years of being an emperor, he died apparently of a heart attack in the year 138, and left Antoninus Pius as his successor.

He was buried at his mausoleum!