Author Description

This groundbreaking biography provides a compelling account of one of Rome's most effective leaders. Orphaned at age 10, Hadrian began his reign in A.D. 117 after the death of his guardian Trajan. Hadrian strengthened the empire by halting territorial expansion and fortifying existing borders. He also promoted Greek learning and art, making Athens his realm's cultural center. But when he built a shrine for Jupiter over the ruins of the Hebrew temple, the ensuing uprising wiped out an entire Roman legion - and ultimately, half-a-million Jews. And yet outside of Judea, Hadrian's strength-based diplomacy brought a century of warfare to a peaceful conclusion.