On August 11, 117 CE, Hadrian became the 14th Roman Emperor following the controversial death of Emperor Trajan. His succession, though disputed due to questions about his adoption, marked the beginning of one of the most significant reigns in Roman history.
The rise of Hadrian to become Roman Emperor marked a pivotal moment in ancient history. On August 11, 117 CE, following the death of his predecessor Trajan, Hadrian ascended to become the 14th emperor of the Roman Empire in a transition that would shape the empire's future for decades to come.
Hadrian's path to power wasn't straightforward. Though he was Trajan's closest male relative and had been groomed for leadership, questions surrounded his succession. Some historians debate whether Trajan truly named him as heir, while others point to the suspicious timing of his adoption and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Trajan's death. Despite these controversies, Hadrian's reign would become one of the most significant in Roman history, ushering in an era of peace, cultural development, and architectural innovation.
The Death of Trajan and Hadrian's Succession
#Trajan's death in August 117 CE marked a pivotal moment in Roman history as it led to Hadrian's ascension as emperor. The transition of power involved complex political maneuvering and controversial circumstances that shaped the empire's future.
The Controversial Adoption
#The legitimacy of Hadrian's adoption by Trajan remains a subject of historical debate. Trajan's wife, Plotina, announced the deathbed adoption of Hadrian, but no witnesses confirmed this event. Historical records from Cassius Dio indicate the adoption papers bore Plotina's signature rather than Trajan's, raising questions about the authenticity of the succession process.
Plotting and Politics in 117 CE
#The political climate surrounding Hadrian's rise to power involved strategic alliances and calculated moves. Three key factors secured his position:
- Command over Syria's legions provided military backing
- Support from Plotina enhanced his political legitimacy
- Swift communication to Rome announced his succession before potential rivals emerged
| Key Events in Succession | Date |
|---|---|
| Trajan's Death | August 8, 117 CE |
| Hadrian's Proclamation | August 11, 117 CE |
| First Official Acts | August 117 CE |
Hadrian received news of his appointment while stationed in Syria, prompting his immediate recognition as Trajan's successor by the Syrian legions. The Senate's subsequent confirmation established him as the 14th Roman Emperor, though some senators opposed this transition due to the suspicious circumstances surrounding his adoption.
Hadrian's Rise to Power
#Hadrian's ascent to becoming Trajan's successor stemmed from his extensive military career and strategic political connections. His path to power showcased a combination of military prowess and calculated positioning within the Roman hierarchy.
Military Background and Experience
#Hadrian's military career began at age 15 in the Roman army where he served as a tribune. He demonstrated exceptional leadership during campaigns in Dacia (101-102 CE) commanding the I Minervia legion. His tactical expertise earned him promotion to governor of Lower Pannonia in 107 CE where he led successful campaigns against the Sarmatians. Between 114-117 CE he served as governor of Syria, positioning him near the center of power during Trajan's final days.
Support From the Roman Army
#The Roman legions played a decisive role in securing Hadrian's position as emperor. The Syrian armies immediately proclaimed their loyalty to Hadrian on August 11, 117 CE, providing crucial military backing. His decade-long relationships with key commanders enhanced his popularity among troops, particularly veterans who served under him in Dacia. The Praetorian Guard's swift allegiance to Hadrian in Rome strengthened his claim to power against potential rivals.
| Military Position | Year(s) | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Tribune | 93 CE | Initial military service |
| Legion Commander | 101-102 CE | Led I Minervia in Dacia |
| Governor of Pannonia | 107 CE | Victory over Sarmatians |
| Governor of Syria | 114-117 CE | Commanded Eastern forces |
Key Events Leading to Hadrian's Accession
#Several pivotal events shaped Hadrian's path to becoming Trajan's successor in 117 CE. These developments involved key political figures, strategic alliances, and crucial decisions that secured his position as emperor.
Role of Empress Plotina
#Empress Plotina played a decisive role in Hadrian's ascension to power. She announced Hadrian's deathbed adoption by Trajan on August 9, 117 CE, signing the adoption papers herself. Her swift action in declaring Hadrian as Trajan's heir prevented potential challenges from other claimants. As a long-time supporter of Hadrian, Plotina leveraged her position to communicate the succession announcement to Rome through official channels, establishing Hadrian's claim before any opposition could mobilize.
Senate's Recognition
#The Roman Senate formally recognized Hadrian as emperor on August 11, 117 CE. The announcement arrived through official dispatches from Antioch, where Trajan had died. Despite initial reservations about the circumstances of Hadrian's adoption, the Senate acknowledged his claim due to three factors:
- Support from the Syrian legions
- Control of the Praetorian Guard
- Backing from influential senators aligned with Plotina
The Senate's recognition solidified Hadrian's position as Trajan's successor, marking the official beginning of his reign as the 14th Roman emperor.
The First Days of Hadrian's Reign
#Hadrian's initial period as emperor began with significant challenges as he managed the transition of power from Syria to Rome following his coronation date of August 11, 117 CE as Trajan's successor.
Initial Challenges and Opposition
#The Roman Senate expressed skepticism about Hadrian's legitimacy due to the questionable circumstances of his adoption. Four prominent senators, including Lusius Quietus and Avidius Nigrinus, faced execution in 118 CE for allegedly plotting against him. The Syrian legions voiced concerns about Hadrian's immediate withdrawal from Trajan's eastern conquests, viewing it as a betrayal of his predecessor's expansionist legacy. Public opinion in Rome remained divided, with many citizens questioning the swift consolidation of power following Trajan's death.
- Appointed loyal commanders to key military positions in Britain, Pannonia and Moesia
- Distributed a double donative of 2,000 sesterces to each soldier
- Reformed the imperial council by including experienced jurists like Salvius Julianus
- Canceled 900 million sesterces of public debt to gain popular support
- Established personal connections with provincial governors through extensive correspondence
- Reorganized the Praetorian Guard leadership structure with trusted officers
| Political Actions | Impact |
|---|---|
| Military Donative | Secured loyalty of 28 legions |
| Debt Cancellation | Gained support from 300,000 citizens |
| Senate Appointments | Added 15 new loyal senators |
| Provincial Changes | Replaced 8 governors with supporters |
Early Actions as Emperor
#Hadrian's initial actions as emperor marked a significant shift in Roman imperial policy. Following his coronation on August 11, 117 CE, Trajan's successor implemented sweeping reforms across military, economic, and administrative sectors.
Military Reforms and Policy Changes
#Hadrian initiated substantial changes in Roman military strategy. He abandoned Trajan's eastern conquests in Mesopotamia, focusing instead on consolidating existing territories. His defensive approach included:
- Construction of fortified boundaries, including the famous Hadrian's Wall in Britain
- Reorganization of frontier troops into permanent border garrisons
- Implementation of standardized training programs across all legions
- Introduction of new tactical formations combining infantry and cavalry units
- Establishment of regular military inspections and exercises
| Military Reform | Impact |
|---|---|
| Border Fortifications | Enhanced frontier defense |
| Training Standardization | Improved combat readiness |
| Troop Reorganization | Better resource allocation |
| Tactical Updates | Increased battlefield efficiency |
- Division of provinces into smaller, more manageable units
- Creation of a professional civil service system
- Establishment of the Imperial Council (consilium principis)
- Implementation of standardized legal procedures across provinces
- Introduction of regular provincial audits
| Administrative Change | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Provincial Division | Improved governance |
| Civil Service Reform | Enhanced bureaucracy |
| Legal Standardization | Uniform justice system |
| Financial Audits | Better fiscal control |
Key Takeaways
#- Hadrian became the 14th Roman Emperor on August 11, 117 CE, following the death of Emperor Trajan on August 8, 117 CE
- His succession was controversial as it involved a disputed deathbed adoption by Trajan, with documents reportedly signed by Empress Plotina rather than Trajan himself
- Three key factors secured Hadrian's position as emperor: command over Syria's legions, support from Empress Plotina, and swift communication to Rome before rivals could emerge
- His military background, including service as tribune, legion commander, and governor of multiple provinces, helped establish his credibility as a leader
- Despite initial opposition from some senators and questions about his legitimacy, Hadrian implemented significant reforms in military strategy, provincial administration, and fiscal policy
- Early actions of his reign included withdrawing from Trajan's eastern conquests, reorganizing frontier defenses, and implementing administrative reforms that shaped the empire's future
Conclusion
#Hadrian's path to becoming emperor in 117 CE showcases the complex nature of Roman imperial succession. While questions surround the legitimacy of his adoption by Trajan the combination of military support strategic positioning and political backing secured his ascension to power.
His reign marked a turning point for the Roman Empire as he shifted focus from expansion to consolidation. The reforms he implemented in military administration and governance laid the foundation for a more stable and organized empire that would influence Roman society for generations to come.
Despite initial challenges to his authority Hadrian's legacy as the 14th Roman Emperor stands as a testament to his political acumen and leadership abilities. His accession remains a fascinating study of power transition in ancient Rome where military might political connections and timing proved crucial for imperial succession.