Description

In the year 117 AD Publius Aelius Hadrian inherited the Roman Empire upon the death of Emperor Trajan.
Both Hadrian and Trajan were born in the same small town in Roman Spain, they were, in fact, cousins.
Before becoming emperor, Hadrian displayed all the requisite virtues. He had been a practical and fair minded magistrate, a fine soldier and legion commander and a capable and inventive architect when the occasion demanded.
Nearly 42 years old when he assumed the throne, Hadrian possessed both the vision and knowledge necessary to become the great emperor we remember.
His restless and inquisitive nature witnessed him constantly moving throughout his empire. Wherever Hadrian visited, legions, towns or cities, he initiated improvements in all areas. He strengthened Rome’s frontiers, expanded and professionalized the civil service and started the codification of Roman law.
Having spent half of his 21 years as emperor outside of Rome Hadrian’s last years were spent at his villa, Tivoli, which he built 15 miles from Rome.
World weary and spent Hadrian died at 62 satisfied in the knowledge that his beloved empire would continue to prosper under his designated heir Antoninus Pius and after him the young Marcus Aurelius.