October
20
/ 2023
Hadrian, born in 76 A.D. in Italica, Spain, faced adversity when both his parents passed away, leaving him a ward. He developed a deep affinity for Greek culture and literature, earning him the nickname "Little Greek." Hadrian's path to power included his adoption by Emperor Trajan and his rise through the ranks as a military tribune and skilled orator. His marriage to Vibia Sabina was arranged and lacked warmth. As Hadrian's reign began, he shifted the empire's focus from conquest to peace through strength, fostering art and architecture, including the Pantheon's reconstruction. Hadrian's travels throughout the empire had a profound impact. He initiated the construction of Hadrian's Wall in Britannia, symbolizing the empire's boundaries. His commitment to resolving disputes and
