Block 2 Unit 3 Hadrian's Rome Flashcards
3.1 Introducing Hadrian emperor ad 117–38
Hispano-Romano (born in Spain) he was Emperor Trajan’s (born probably in 53 at Italica in Spain) adopted ward, In 100 he married Trajan’s great-niece Sabina Augusta a match arranged by Pompeia Plotina wife of Trajan, As Trajan’s quaestor (101) he had to polish his Latin (his ‘rustic accent’ was mocked). Early devotion to Greek studies earned the nickname, Graeculus (‘little Greek’) he was tribune in Legio II Adiutrix (95) and V Macedonica (96)He joined Trajan for the First Dacian War (101–2). His position was thus very strong when Trajan died at Selinus in Cilicia on 8 August 117. The next day his adoption by Trajan was announced. We cannot dispel the rumours that Plotina had staged an adoption after Trajan died.
3.1 Introducing Hadrian emperor ad 117–38 II
Hadrian was disliked by his peers and had rivals, but the army recognized him; the senate had to follow suit. Four ex-counsuls executed for plotting treason against him Homosexual tendencies ‘Hadrian was accompanied not only by Sabina but by a young Bithynian, Antinous (2): his passion for the youth, embarrassing to many Romans, was a manifestation of his Hellenism.’ Hadrian died (10 July 138) with a quizzical verse address to his restless soul. He was buried in his new mausoleum (Castel Sant’Angelo) and deified by a reluctant senate.
3.2 Hadrianic monuments in Rome
Notable for its innovative architecture Hadrian’s villa at Tivoli, Temple of the deified Hadrian (built by his successor Antoninus Pius), Temple of Venus - buildings used by an emperor (restoration) to help legitimise his position - immortalising a predecessor who had a good reputation was one way in which an emperor could legitimise his authority - e.g. Trajan’s column
3.2 Hadrianic monuments in Rome II
Trajan and Hadrian used brick-faced concrete in their constructions Restoration of the Pantheon - we still don’t know what it was used for (poss the temple t all Roman gods with an unusual oculus) , how built, and its lack of architectural cohesion - brick stamps dating it to Trajan and Hadrian found Like Augustus, Hadrian kept the restored temple’s Agrippan inscription, associating himself with the Augustan dynasty Ditto the Temple of Venus and Rome that showed his love of both Greece and Rome and the choice of deities again linked him to Augustus - the Julian gens (family) goddesses Venus and Roma
3.3 Death, divinity and the emperor
Mausoleum of Hadrian - one of the most prominent monuments on the skyline of modern Rome - Castle Sant’Angelo. Its importance - death and divinity was used to promote past and therefore the present emperor. By considering the dynasty he was also serving Rome - i.e. avoiding civil war Why commemoration after death mattered so much to emperors and how this is linked to their divine right to rule - honouring the dead emperor helped as the new emperor derived his dynastic power from his predecessor and would hopefully lead to his predecessor’s (and his) divination/apotheosis. Note there was no concept of ‘divine kingship’ by the people of Rome - the living were not regarded as Gods - e.g. Domitian wanted to be called God and was regarded a a ‘bad’ emperor’
