Hadrian's Final years

Hadrian's Final years

Hadrian's final years were marked by illness, political turmoil over the succession, and his eventual death in 138 CE.

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🤒 Declining Health and Isolation

By the early 130s CE, Hadrian began to suffer from a progressive, debilitating illness, possibly congestive heart failure. His symptoms included constant pain, edema (swelling), and exhaustion, which made him increasingly irritable and isolated.

• Growing Suspicion: His poor health affected his temperament. He became more paranoid and suspicious, leading to several cruel and politically motivated executions of people he perceived as rivals or threats, including his own grand-nephew, who was executed for minor reasons.

• Failed Suicide Attempts: The pain became so severe that historical accounts suggest Hadrian attempted suicide multiple times, once asking a palace physician to administer poison, but his requests were refused.

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👑 The Succession Crisis

Hadrian had no natural heir, making the issue of succession paramount and highly challenging. His first choice for a successor died unexpectedly, forcing him to choose again.

1. First Chosen Heir (Lucius Aelius): In 136 CE, Hadrian adopted Lucius Ceionius Commodus (renamed Lucius Aelius Caesar). Hadrian quickly elevated him to consular status and sent him to Pannonia. However, Aelius fell ill and died on January 1, 138 CE, forcing Hadrian to pivot.

2. Final Chosen Heir (Antoninus Pius): A month after Aelius's death, Hadrian adopted Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Arrius Antoninus (later known as Antoninus Pius).

   • Conditional Adoption: This adoption came with two crucial conditions: Antoninus had to adopt two younger men as his own successors.

   • The Line of Succession: This intricate arrangement secured the future of the empire by setting up the two people Hadrian truly wanted to succeed him: Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. This carefully planned succession ensured stability and ushered in the golden age of the "Five Good Emperors."

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⚰️ Death and Deification

• Death: Hadrian died on July 10, 138 CE, at his villa in Baiae near Naples, at the age of 62.

• Deification: Initially, the Senate was reluctant to grant him divine honors due to his executions during his final years. However, Antoninus successfully convinced the Senate to deify him (a filial duty that earned Antoninus the name "Pius," meaning dutiful), thereby ensuring the legitimacy of the entire line of succession.

• Tomb: His remains were eventually interred in the magnificent Mausoleum of Hadrian in Rome (now known as the Castel Sant'Angelo), which he had personally commissioned.

Hadrian's Final years VIDEO