Hadrian a determined ambitious ruler or a strategic emperor? Publius Aelius Hadrianus, also known as the Roman Emperor Hadrian, an emperor a head of his time in terms of leadership skills over his empire. The reign of Hadrian impacted Western Civilization with his simple up bring in life, notable actions, and his character traits. Hadrian, as mentioned above is also known as Publius Aelius Hadrian’s had a simple up bring, born to Paulina (mother) and Publius Aelius Hadrianus Afer (father) on January 24, 76; “…he received a solid education in Rome…” (McKay et al., 2014, p.167). Having received the fundamentals of his education in Rome, allowed him to meet his cousin Trajan; another one of the Five Good Emperors, “The Five Roman Emperors (Nerva, …show more content…
These character traits led to the magnificent impact he had on the Western Civilization. He was courageous as an emperor because of the way in which he lived his life. Although, he married for convenience he was still openly gay. “He married Vibia Sabrina who was the grand-niece of Emperor Trajan… Trajan was not enthusiastic about the marriage that was more for convience…”(People.F. (n.d.). That itself takes a lot as a ruler; being able to show others that your personal preference does not affect your ability to lead as an emperor. While also being impeccable in the sense of formalities when he took over the rule at the death of Trajan, instead of basking in grief he stepped right up to the plate (throne) and took immediate action to rule the empire. He was strategic; pulled armies from the east, created new opportunities for citizens, while still managing to maintain boundaries set I place by Trajan. “Under Trajan the boundaries of the Roman Empire were expanded to their furthest extent, and Hadrian worked to maintain most of these holdings…” (McKay et al., 2014, p.167). Despite dealing with the death of Trajan (cousin), openly being gay, and maintain an empire; he was still a determined force to be reckoned with because in spite of handling all of the things that came with