2 Quotes & Sayings By Hadrian
Hadrian was born in Rome in AD 121. He was the second son of Publius Aelius Hadrianus, a Roman citizen, and his wife Afra, who came from the plebeian family of Julius Bassus. He had two brothers, Lucius and Publius, and a sister, Julia Livilla. Hadrian received very good education in rhetoric and grammar
From his father he learned to speak Greek with a pure accent, Latin with an easy flow, and even Aramaic with perfect pronunciation. Hadrian's house was equipped with all kinds of musical instruments at his disposal. His tastes were refined, refined to an almost inhuman degree. He was especially fond of Greek literature; the Greek classics were always at his side; he knew ancient history by heart; he read Homer's "Odyssey"; he also knew Euripides' plays; he had for his companions the most famous scholars of Greece - Cratinus (who had written satires against him), Aristophanes (who wrote comedies against him), Menander (a comic poet) and others; these men enjoyed his conversation because he could speak their language perfectly; Hadrian's conversation was witty, polished and dignified; but there was no trace of cruelty in it. After finishing school, Hadrian joined the Roman army as a common soldier under the command of his uncle Marcus Aurelius.
His behavior during the first years of military service was not very promising. He did not take part in any battles or campaigns because his uncle's death removed him from active service for some time. Later on he distinguished himself as a brave officer under Emperor Trajan (98-117). During Trajan's rule Hadrian continued to be an excellent officer whose military qualities were recognized by the whole army.
The emperor used to praise Hadrian's bravery and wise decisions at every opportunity. In AD 101 Hadrian married Pompeia Sabina, daughter of the noble family of Sabine origin which counted many senators among its members. In AD 105 Trajan died and Hadrian succeeded him as emperor - probably the best emperor Rome ever had! The new emperor was a man of great sagacity and foresight yet by nature he was rather shy and suspicious - traits that made him unpopular with many people around him! It is said that when one of his friends criticized him for being too cautious in making decisions, Hadrian replied: "You say I am cautious - I myself sometimes wonder where