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Hadrian and Antinous

There were many relationships that changed the course of history forever. Most have one thing in common, one in a high position being influenced by their significant other. The effect of Cleopatra on Antony, Josephine on Napoleon, and Ann Boleyn on Henry the Eighth changed the world forever. Yet to Rome, the effect of Antinous on Hadrian was just as important. Hadrian loved Antinous and for this he ruined his legacy as a great emperor.

Little is known about how Hadrian came to know Antinous. It is rumored that Antinous was taken from Claudiopolis during one of Hadrian’s tours in 123 AD. Antinous’s age is also unknown, at the time of his introduction to Hadrian he was said to be around eleven or twelve. Unfortunately, little is also known about the way he was taken. No one is sure if it was by force or went willingly, but he soon became the Emperor’s favorite and was never considered a slave. Yet again, little is known about when Antinous became the Emperor’s favorite, but it is guessed to have been sometime between the Emperor’s return to Italy in 125 and his next trip

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With Antinous drowning in the Nile, his body would have been taken by the Egyptians for embalming. There is evidence supporting most the theories. The boy in these relationships in known as the eromenos, and thought to be in the early teens.

Hadrian considered Antinous the perfect eromenos. Hadrian was known for his love for art, and was pleased at the appearance of Antinous. to Greece in 128, this being the first trip where Antinous accompanied as favorite. Whether or not the body was entombed there, it was about two months before Hadrian himself left Egypt. At the time of death there was much talk of this tradition cause of the third drought would cause a famine. It was an Egypt tradition to send a sacrifice down the river to please the Gods of the Nile. What really happened that day is unknown. It was primarily a Hellenic system in which favored Hadrian because of his love for all things Greek.

Antinous died in October of 130 AD. Women were considered inferior and lust for one was a dirty thing only necessary for childbirth. For this many paintings and sculptures were made of him, turning him into the symbol of beauty he is known for today. Yet, some would ask why deliberately? Adding up the facts this has much support.

Approximate Word count = 748
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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