Hadrian (76 A.D - 138 A.D)The direct successor to Trajan, he continued the reins of the empire to its greatest extent. Instead of an expansionist stance (basically attacking everyone) by Trajan, Hadrian decides to take the more chill route. He focused on the DEFENSE rather than going on the offense. As for his personal life, he was pretty much a scholar and player. He had fun with his Greek boy, Antinous, while getting down on some studying and creating. Hadrian established a rhetorical and intellectual academy at Rome called the Athenaeum. He also dedicated his last poem to his dying spirit in 138 A.D, shortly before his death. This poem is still debated to this day (scholars can never make their minds up).
His poem goes: “Animula, vagula, blandula Hospes comesque corporis Quae nunc abibis in loca Pallidula, rigida, nudula, Nec, ut soles, dabis iocos.” —P. Aelius Hadrianus |
Basic InfoFull Name:
Caesar Publius Aelius Traianus Hadrianus Augustus Born: 24 January 76 | Italica, Hispania Died: 10 July 138 (aged 62) | Baiae |
WorksHadrian often writes short poems, especially in Neoteric fashion (Catullus Style)
|