Roman Britain - Emperor Hadrian

1. Hadrian was born in AD 76.

2. Hadrian’s father was wealthy and owned an olive oil business.

3. Hadrian served in the army and was well-educated.

4. When his father died, Hadrian was adopted by Trajan, a relative, who became Emperor.

5. In AD 117 when Trajan died, Hadrian was made Emperor.

6. Hadrian was a hard-working and intelligent Emperor.

7. He visited more places in the Roman Empire than any other ruler.

8. Hadrian thought that the Roman Empire had become too large.

9. He thought that it was more important to strengthen it than gain more land.

10. Hadrian was responsible for building the wall across northern England known as Hadrian’s Wall.

11. Hadrian had an amazing memory, never forgetting a name or a face.

12. Hadrian played musical instruments, designed buildings and wrote poetry.

13. He was particularly interested in anything Greek.

14. Hadrian was the first Roman Emperor to grow a beard.

15. The Roman Empire was quite peaceful during Hadrian’s rule.

16. Hadrian introduced many rules to help the poorer citizens understand the law and their rights.

17. Hadrian married, but his wife died and he had no son to carry on the family name and become Emperor.

18. Hadrian adopted a son just before he died in AD 138.