Short Biography about the life of Hadrian
Short Biography profile and facts about one of the most famous Romans of all, in the life of Hadrian, Emperor of Rome and provinces of the Roman Empire.

• Name commonly known as: Hadrian
• Latin Roman Name: Publius Aelius Traianus Hadrianus
• Reigned as Roman Emperor / Caesar: August 10, 117 – July 10, 138
• Dynasty / Historical Period: Five Good Emperors & Nervan / Antonine Dynasty (96–192)
• Place and Date of Birth: Hadrian  was born 24 January 76 in Rome
• Name of previous Emperor: His predecessor or the Emperor before Hadrian was Trajan
• Family connections / Genealogy
  • Name of Father: Publius Aelius Hadrianus Afer
  • Name of Mother: Domitia Paulina
  • Married: Consort to Vibia Sabina
  • Children: None
    • Lucius Aelius and Antoninus Pius (both adoptive)
• Place and Date of Death: Hadrian died July 10, 138 (aged 62) at Baiae on the Bay of Naples
• Name of next Emperor:  The successor to Hadrian was Antoninus Pius

Interesting facts about the life of Hadrian
Why was Hadrian famous? Accomplishments and achievements and important events. Hadrian was descended from a family of Hadria, in Picenum and was a military commander, distinguished for his courage and activity. Hadrian adopted the policy of Augustus, refusing to extend the limits of the empire. His aim was to maintain and strengthen the existing Roman Provinces. Hadrian endeavoured to win the affections of the people by donations, games, and gladiatorial shows. He also cancelled a large amount of unpaid taxes and promised the Senators never to punish one of their body without their approval. He divided Italy into four regions, a Consular Magistrate being placed over each; and he introduced a new system of administration into the palace, the army and the state, which lasted until the reign of Constantine the Great. Hadrian was fond of travel and went on a journey through all the provinces of his empire, in order to examine into their condition and to discover and amend any faults in the system of government. The famous Pantheon in Rome was comissioned by Hadrian.

Hadrian - The Jewish War
A revolt broke out among the Jews and another Jewish war continued for several years, during which more than half a million of Jews are said to have perished. A famous general, Julius Severus, left his duties in Britain to lead the Roman armies and the rebellion was suppressed. The Jews were forbidden to live in Jerusalem or its neighborhood and the nation was scattered over the world.

The Death of Hadrian
Hadrian returned to Rome from his travels where he became sick. Hadrian adopted Arrius Antoninus (afterward the Emperor Antoninus Pius), and presented him as his successor to the Senators assembled around his bed. His illness affected the mind and disposition of Hadrian who became a cruel tyrant. Hadrian tried several failed suicide attempts due to his illness. He moved to Baiae, hoping for some relief in the fine climate of the Bay of Naples and he died there July 10th, A.D. 138, aged sixty-three.

Hadrians Wall
Hadrian's Wall was a Roman wall which formed a 73 mile frontier and barrier between the South and North of England. Hadrian's wall was built not just to prevent movement but also to control movement - especially the movement of the Picts. Hadrians Wall was built by Roman legionaries who belonged to the 2nd, 6th and 20th legions and took about 6 years to complete. For additional facts and information about this famous Roman wall and Hadrian click the following link:

Hadrian's Wall

Dynasties of Roman Emperors - Five Good Emperors & Nervan / Antonine Dynasty (96–192)
The Five Good Emperors and the Nervan / Antonine Dynasty (96–192). The Five Good Emperors were Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius. The Five Good Emperors were so named by the political philosopher, Niccolo Machiavelli who gave them this name in 1503 due to their good government and the respect given to them by the people of Rome. The Nervan and Antonine dynasty consisted of the "Five Good Emperors" (Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius) together with Lucius Verus, who ruled jointly with Marcus Aurelius, and Commodus the son of Marcus Aurelius.