On 11 August AD 117, the news of Trajan's death in Selinus reached the 41-year-old Hadrian at Syrian Antioch, where he was stationed as provincial governor. The army of Syria immediately hailed its legate as Imperator. 11 August was to be celebrated as Hadrian's dies imperii (the anniversary of his accession as emperor). On the third day… Continue reading 11 August AD 117 – Hadrian is proclaimed emperor in Antioch (#Hadrian1900)
Category: Antioch
The AD 115 earthquake in Antioch
On 13 December AD 115¹, Hadrian survived a violent and devastating earthquake while wintering in Antioch during Trajan's campaign in the east. Hadrian had been in Syria since January AD 114 as imperial legate (envoy to the emperor) and, as such, had taken up residence in Antiochia ad Orontem (Antioch on the Orontes). The city… Continue reading The AD 115 earthquake in Antioch