The Love Affair of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and the Handsome Antinous
The Love Affair of Emperor Hadrian and Antinous
Not much is known about Antinous before he caught the attention of Emperor Hadrian, ruler of the Roman world at its height. Born in 111 AD in the Roman province of Bithynia—the region that includes the Asian side of modern Istanbul, Turkey—Antinous was likely not from a wealthy background. Some sources even suggest he may have been a slave. Yet, through his deep and enigmatic bond with the emperor, he became one of the most famous figures of antiquity.
Sculptures from the period reveal how Antinous was idealized after his death. A bust of Hadrian from Rome (117–138 AD) and a bust of Antinous (130–140 AD) both reflect divine associations. The ivy wreath adorning Antinous’s portrait links him to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and rebirth—paralleling Osiris in Egyptian mythology. This symbolism became especially meaningful after his untimely death.
When Antinous drowned in the Nile River in 130 AD, Hadrian was devastated. He ordered that the young man be deified—worshipped as a god, hero, and conqueror of death. The emperor founded a city in his honor, Antinoöpolis, and established festivals and games to commemorate him. Statues and portraits of Antinous soon appeared throughout the Roman world; in fact, only Augustus and Hadrian himself were depicted more often in classical art.
Hadrian, who became emperor in 117 AD, inherited an empire built on conquest and expansion. Though his marriage to Vibia Sabina, Trajan’s great-niece, strengthened his political position, Hadrian’s true legacy lay in his vision of peace and consolidation. He spent 12 of his 21 years as emperor traveling across the empire—inspecting provinces, overseeing administration, and strengthening the army. Known for his discipline and humility, Hadrian was said to eat and sleep among his soldiers, earning their respect and loyalty.
Despite his reign being one of relative peace, Hadrian is often depicted in military attire, symbolizing his commitment to Rome’s stability and defense. Yet, behind the armor and the empire stood a man of deep passion—one whose love for Antinous transcended mortality, leaving behind one of history’s most enduring and enigmatic relationships.
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