Roman, As, Hadrian, 117 - 138 A.D

RULER: Hadrian
DATE: 117 - 138 A.D
DENOMINATION: As
MATERIAL: Bronze
SIZE & WEIGHT: 9,21 gr
OBVERSE: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right
REVERSE: SALVS AVGVSTI S-C, COS III below, Salus standing left holding patera, feeding serpent arising from altar
REFERENCES: RIC 678, Cohen 1357, BMC 1349

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Hadrian ruled as Roman emperor from 117 to 138 AD, succeeding Trajan and shifting the empire’s focus from expansion to consolidation. Unlike his predecessor, Hadrian prioritized strengthening Rome’s borders rather than seeking further conquests. He is best known for constructing Hadrian’s Wall in Britain, a massive fortification marking the empire’s northernmost boundary, designed to defend against tribal incursions. Hadrian was also a great admirer of Greek culture, earning him the reputation of a philhellene. His reign emphasized administrative efficiency, legal reforms, and architectural development, leaving a lasting impact on the Roman world.

Hadrian’s coinage, particularly his denarii, reflects his priorities and the image he sought to project. The obverse of his denarii typically features his bearded portrait, a departure from the clean-shaven tradition of earlier emperors, symbolizing both his Greek influence and wisdom. The reverse often depicts themes of peace, stability, and provincial unity, with personifications of the empire’s various regions, such as Britannia, Hispania, and Egypt. His coins also celebrate Rome’s gods, virtues, and infrastructure projects, reinforcing his role as a protector and benefactor of the empire. These images served as powerful propaganda, reinforcing Hadrian’s vision of a well-defended, prosperous Rome.

Hadrian’s rule was marked by extensive travel throughout the empire, as he personally oversaw its administration and military defenses. His visits to distant provinces, from Britain to Judea, helped solidify loyalty and maintain stability. However, his reign was not without conflict—his suppression of the Bar Kokhba revolt (132–136 AD) in Judea was particularly brutal, leading to widespread destruction and forced displacement of the Jewish population. Despite such challenges, Hadrian is remembered as a capable and visionary ruler, whose policies of consolidation and cultural patronage shaped the Roman Empire for decades after his death.