Publio Elio Adriano (Hadrian)
(76-138), Spain. Roman Emperor

Adoptive son and successor of Trajan, also a Spanish-born Roman Emperor, Hadrian fomented industry and the arts and greatly expanded the cultural life of the empire. He personally visited the far corners of his dominions and improved trade and administration. His was an innovating and intelligent administration which earned him the title of "Optimus Princeps" (Best Governor). He built the Mausoleum of Adrian, now the castle of Saint Angelo and protected the empire from the barbarian incursions.