Cappadocia, Euphrates, Frontiers of the Roman Empire, Hadrian1900, Roman Army, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Zeugma

June AD 123 – Hadrian returns to the East and inspects the frontiers of northern Syria and Cappadocia (#Hadrian1900)

After spending the winter of AD 122/3 in Tarraco (see here), Hadrian left Spain and set sail for Antioch and the Euphrates frontier, probably reaching his destination in June 123. According to a drastically abbreviated passage in the Historia Augusta, the Emperor aimed to meet the Parthian king (or receive Parthian envoys), indicating a renewal of hostilities between… Continue reading June AD 123 – Hadrian returns to the East and inspects the frontiers of northern Syria and Cappadocia (#Hadrian1900)

Antioch, Hadrian1900, Roman Army, Syria, Turkey

11 August AD 117 – Hadrian is proclaimed emperor in Antioch (#Hadrian1900)

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)

Palmyra, Roman Portraiture, Syria

The ancient people of Palmyra, Syria

The recent developments in the Middle East have drawn the attention of the world to the magnificent ruins of the ancient city of Palmyra. Its impressive remains were brought to light by travellers, first in 1678, and by archaeologists in more recent times. Equally impressive are the numerous representations of the inhabitants of the city… Continue reading The ancient people of Palmyra, Syria