Hadrian

Hadrian was declared Emperor of Rome on this date September 22, 117. Publius Aelius Hadrianus (AD 76–138) was born in Rome on 24 January AD 76. His family – the Aelii – were from ltalica in the Roman province of Hispania Baetica (Seville in modern-day Spain). Hadrian’s father died when he was ten years old and he became the ward of his father’s cousin, the future emperor Trajan. Hadrian was the third of the Five Good Emperors and reigned during the apex of Roman power. Hadrian married, through arrangement, Vibia Sabina, grandniece of the ruling emperor, Trajan, and his second cousin once removed. His marriage was unhappy and childless. Hadrian's ascension was controversial as Trajan hadn't chosen a successor until he was on his deathbed. Trajan’s respected wife Plotina sent a letter to the Senate declaring Hadrian as the new heir. It was only after the appointment that the Senate was informed Trajan had died. With the army recognizing Hadrian as emperor, the Roman senate accepted his rule. Four senators who opposed his appointment were executed.

Hadrian had a successful reign. He completed many building projects, including the Vallum Aelium. (Hadrian’s Wall) Hadrian gained extensive military experience as a legatus during the conquests of Dacia and later Parthia. Among Trajan’s closest allies he also held the important offices of the Roman state, culminating in serving as consul. Hadrian was a military expert, but his reign saw little conflict. Hadrian's last years were marred by chronic illness. Hadrian died of heart disease at Baiae on 10 July AD 138.

Hadrian's Wall is one of Britain's major tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hadrian selected Lucius Aelius Caesar to succeed him, but Aelius died suddenly. As an alternative Hadrian appointed Antoninus Pius with the provision that he would then choose Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as his successors. Pius agreed, and the Golden Age of Rome continued. Hadrian kept a beard, and all his coins show him bearded. Some accounts suggest it hid his facial battle scars.

Archaeologists at the ancient city of Kibyra in southwestern Türkiye uncovered the remains of monumental marble statues depicting Roman Emperor Hadrian and his wife, Empress Sabina. Hadrian’s statue rose to a height of 2.14 meters (7 feet). The large marble figures once stood impressively above Kibyra’s Monumental City Entrance Gate. The rare sculptures date to around AD 130.