On This Day in Ancient History - Hadrian Made Emperor in A.D. 117

On this day in ancient history, Hadrian officially became Roman Emperor. It is claimed Trajan, his adoptive father, had not wanted Hadrian to succeed him, but was thwarted by his wife, Plotina, who covered up her husband's death until she could make sure of Hadrian's acceptance by the senate. Thus, Trajan died on the 8th of August, but Hadrian only became emperor 3 days later.

Read more about the Emperor Hadrian in Hadrian's Wall.

_{Hadrian picture © clipart.com; Hadrian's Wall picture © NSGill}