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Being Emperor, no doubt meant that Hadrian had to be careful who his friends (amici) were.
The most famous of Emperor Hadrian's friends was a handsome youth called Antinous.
Hadrian met Antinous when the boy was in his mid-teens and from then on Antinous became part of the Emperor's entourage.
Whilst still a young man, Antinous drowned in the River Nile in Egypt when travelling with the Emperor Hadrian.
Emperor Hadrian was heart-broken and gave orders that Antinous was to be worshipped as a god throughout the Roman Empire.
Emperor Hadrian even had cities and towns established in his honour. The town of Antinopolis became established by the River Nile near the spot where Antinous had drowned.
This famous friendship has caused lots of people to wonder if the Emperor Hadrian was in love with the young Antinous or did he feel affection for him as the son he never had?
Lots of statues and images of Antinous have survived and they show Antinous to have been a very handsome and attractive young man.
Scroll down the page to see a bust of Hadrian's friend, Antinous.
Emperor Hadrian Ruled from 117 to 138 AD.
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The Emperor Hadrian ruled for 21 years from A.D. 117 until A.D. 138, when the Empire of Ancient Rome was at its height.
The Emperor Hadrian consolidated and strengthened The Roman Empire. He was The Roman Emperor responsible for the building of Hadrian's Wall in England.
Hadrian was one of the most remarkable and talented of all the Emperors of Rome.... more about Emperor Hadrian
Hadrians.Com - Emperor Hadrian facts and information - What was daily life REALLY like in Ancient Rome?
Plus Hadrian's Wall History and Hadrian's Wall Photographs!
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