Hadrian

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Hadrian (76-138 AD), born Publius Aelius Hadrianus, was the fourteenth Emperor of Rome, ruling from 10 August 117 to 10 July 138. His rule was virtuous and just, and he is known as the third of the Five Good Emperors.

Hadrian became Emperor when Trajan named him his successor in his will. Overall, his reign was characterized by generally few military conflicts, other than the Second Roman-Jewish War. He surrendered Mesopotamia because it was considered too difficult to defend, and successfully negotiated peace when war with Parthia was imminent in 121 AD.

Hadrian is particularly well-known for ordering the construction of the Aelian wall, more commonly called Hadrian’s Wall, which was a fortification built across northern England to prevent Pictish tribes from raiding the Roman Empire. He won over the Roman citizens with building projects, including rebuilding the Pantheon, which was previously destroyed by fire.

Hadrian passed away at the age of 62. His cause of death is believed to have been heart failure.

Written by stevenfife_06, published 02 September 2009.

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Map of Europe in 125 AD Hadrian's Wall Gate Hadrian's Wall
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  • 24 Jan 76 AD - 10 Jul 138 AD
    Life of Roman emperor Hadrian (Publius Aelius Hadrianus).
  • 98 AD
    Accession of the emperor Trajan. Hadrian announced himself the death of Nerva to Trajan.
  • c. 100 AD
    Hadrian marries Vibia Sabina.
  • 117 AD
    Death of Trajan. Now governor of Syria, Hadrian becomes emperor as he was previously adopted by Trajan.
  • 117 AD - 138 AD
    Rule of the Roman Emperor Hadrian who supports great building projects in and around the Agora of Athens.
  • 11 Aug 117 AD - 10 Jul 138 AD
    Reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian.
  • 118 AD
    Hadrian returns to Rome. Execution of the four consulars.
  • 118 AD - 121 AD
    Beginning of the works of Hadrian's villa at Tivoli.
  • 121 AD - 125 AD
    First trip of Hadrian around the Empire: Gaul, Germany, Noricum, Britain, Tarraconis, Cappadocia, Gallatia, Bythinia, Asia, Greece, Mesia, Dacia and Pannonia.
  • 128 AD
    Hadrian visits Sicilia and Africa. He inspect the African army and gives the Lambesis speech.
  • 128 AD - 134 AD
    Hadrian travels to Greece, Anatolia, Syria, Judea, Arabia, Egypt and goes back via Greece.
  • 130 AD
    Death of Antinous, Hadrian's favourite, in Egypt.
  • 132 AD - 135 AD
    Jewish revolt of Bar Kokhba.
  • 133 AD
    Hadrian’s wall is built in northern England.
  • 136 AD
    Adoption of L. Aelius Caesar by Hadrian.
  • 138 AD
    Adoption of Antoninus. Hadrian demands him to adopt Aelius Caesar's son, known as Lucius Verus. Death of Hadrian and accession of Antoninus Pius.
  • c. 138 AD
    Divinization of Hadrian. The ashes are put in his mausoleum.
  • 1 Jan 138 AD
    Death of L. Aelius Caesar.