EMPERORS OF ROME ADRIAN WONG KAMIL KHAN Hadrian

EMPERORS OF ROME ADRIAN WONG KAMIL KHAN

Hadrian (117 -138 A. D. ) “Ah fleeting Spirit! wand'ring Fire, That long hast warm'd my tender Breast, Must thou no more this Frame inspire? ” - Hadrian

Hadrian BACKGROUND INFORMATION Was born in Italica, Baetica (modern day Seville, Spain) on January 24, 76 to a well- established settler family originating from Italy. Schooled in various subjects that were studied by young aristocrats and was also very fond of learning Hellenic culture, thus earning himself the nickname “the Greekling”. Enlisted in the army, and soon joined Trajan’s expedition against Parthia as a legate on Trajan’s staff. Appointed to the Governor of Syria as a replacement and then became the successor of Trajan as he died of illness.

How Hadrian became Emperor After his father had passed away in 85 A. D. , he was left to the care of his father’s dear friend Acilius Attianus and his father’s cousin, Trajan who became Emperor in 98 A. D. When Trajan became seriously ill and died, Hadrian was officially adopted by Trajan to be the heir. However, no official papers were produced and brought to Rome until two days before the Emperor’s death and these documents were long speculated that Plotina, Empress and wife of Trajan, had forged them to aide her protégé. His supremacy as Roman Emperor lasted 22 years from 117 - 138 A. D.

Military Relations Associated with the army at a very young age when he joined as a teenager and went to train in Italica. His excellence as a military commander was overshadowed by the lack of major battles during his reign as Emperor. He surrendered Trajan’s conquests in Mesopotamia, averted a war with Parthia in 121 by negotiating a peace, and defeated the Jewish uprising and continued to persecute them. His main policy was to achieve peace through force and even threat.

Architectural Pursuits The most obvious construction by Hadrian was Hadrian’s Wall which was built in 122 to defend Britannia from the Caledonians in the North. Although, it was mostly made of wood and did not last long, it proved to be very useful in protecting Rome. Also, the Pantheon built by Agrippa was enriched and recreated under Hadrian to look as it does today.

Hadrian’s Impact on Rome During much of Hadrian’s reign was spent traveling with the Roman army and it was a fundamental part of his governing. On his visits, he would hand out instructions on how to build new public structures, projects, and settlements. He was able to strengthen Rome from within through improved infrastructure (i. e. new roads, aqueducts, temples, theatres, circuses, and other city improvements), as opposed to conquering or taking over enemies. He was a well- received and respected Emperor as he met many of his supporters during his tours and he got a closer feel for the provinces and its people.

Augustus “I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble. ” -Augustus

Octavian – The Early Life n n Augustus, the first emperor of Rome was born on September 23, 63 BCE under the name Gaius Octavius. His father who had named Octavius for himself, was a respected member of the Equestrian Order. His mother, Atia Balba Caesonia, was the niece of Julius Caesar. At the age of 11, Octavian delivered the eulogy at his grandmother Julia’s funeral, the elder sister of Caesar. At the tender age of 17, Octavian led a group of companions through hostile territory to get to his great -uncle Caesar’s home front, which impressed Caesar very much.

Octavian – The Rise to Power n n n When Caesar was assassinated, it was found in his will, that due to having no legitimate children, Caesar had adopted Octavian and named him his heir. Octavian formed an army and allied with Marc Anthony to defeat Brutus and Cassius (plotters against Caesar). Together with Lepidus, the three men formed the Second Triumvirate.

The First Settlement n n n The Western half of the Roman Republic had sworn to follow Octavian in 31 BCE, and after defeating Marc Antony, the Eastern half followed. In 27 BCE, Octavian returned the power to the Senate, the Senate in turn gave him the titles Augustus and Princeps. Augustus was more of a religious title than authoritative.

The Second Settlement n n In 23 BCE, Augustus gave up him consulship but retained “consular imperium” or Imperial Council. The council gave him power of tribune, which led to a deal called “The Second Settlement”. This allowed Augustus to lay issues in front of the council and stop actions that would be done otherwise.

Developments under Augustus n n Augustus created a position of supreme authority and complete rule over the military called “The Emperor of Rome”. Vast expansion of the borders, these borders stayed under the Empire for another 400 years. Augustus helped develop trade links with regions such as India and China. Augustus created the law “lex Papia Poppaea” which rewarded having children and penalized not having children, this was a key measure to have Rome’s population flourish.

Augustus – The Legacy n n Soon after Augustus’s death, he was deified meaning revered as a god. Both his last name Caesar and title Augustus became titles of Roman Emperors for 400 years to come. Augustus’s actions stopped the civil wars after Julius Caesar’s death and brought peace to the land that lasted for 100 years. The month of August is named after Augustus just like July is named after Julius. August was called Sextilis until Augustus’s time.

Historical Significance n n n Augustus had a large affect on Rome as a whole, he was the first person to be honoured with the title, Augustus which was a religious name. It means “majestic” or “the increaser”. He managed to stop the civil wars that were avenging Caesar’s death and brought Rome back from the edge of destruction. August was “auctoritas” which means authority in English over most of Rome. Auctoritas played a key role in the formation of fascism and nazism. n n n Since Augustus was the first emperor of Rome, he is credited with the creation of “monarchy”, the rule by a king or a queen, or in this case, Emperor. Augustus helped rebuild 82 temples in Rome alone. Caesar Augustus also encouraged literature with the writings of Horace and Virgil applauded. Virgil’s legend apparently makes all of Julius Caesar’s family and adoptive son, Augustus, direct blood of Aeneas, a great warrior.

Adrian Wong THE END Kamil Khan