Hadrian: The Emperor of Rome

I, 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. I was the third of the “Five Good Emperors.” My reign had a faltering beginning, a glorious middle, and a tragic conclusion.

I was born in Seville, Spain to a well-established family which had originated in Picenum in Italy and had subsequently settled in Italica, Hispania Baetica (originally Hispania Ulterior). I was a distant relative of my predecessor Trajan being a grandson of Trajan’s father’s sister. Trajan never officially designated a successor, but, according to his wife, Plotina, Trajan named me emperor immediately before his death. However, Trajan’s wife was well-disposed toward me, and I may well have owed his succession to her.

Early Life

I was born in Seville, Spain and was the son of Publius Aelius Hadrianus Afer, a cousin of Trajan, from Italica in Hispania Baetica. My mother was Domitia Paulina of Gades. My sister was Domitia Paulina the Younger. After my father died (probably in 85) I became the ward of Acilius Attianus and the future Emperor Trajan. I was schooled in various subjects particular to young aristocrats of the day, and I was so fond of learning Greek literature that I was nicknamed Graeculus (”Little Greek”).

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

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

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