Pompeia Plotina

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Pompeia Plotina coin, celebrating the Fides on the reverse.

Pompeia Plotina Claudia Phoebe Piso or Pompeia Plotina (d. 121/122) was a Roman Empress and wife of Roman Emperor Trajan. She was renowned for her interest in philosophy, and her virtue, dignity and simplicity. She was particularly devoted to the Epicurean philosophical school in Athens, Greece.^[1] Through her influence, she provided Romans with fairer taxation, improved education, assisted the poor and created tolerance in Roman society.

Plotina was born and was raised in the Gallic city of Nemausus (modern Nîmes, France) during the reign of Emperor Nero (reigned 54-68). She was the daughter of Lucius Pompeius and Plotia, who had extensive political, family and friendship connections. Trajan married her before his succession. Although they had a happy marriage, they had no known children. In 100 Trajan awarded her with title of Augusta, but she did not accept the title until 105. Plotina did not appear on the coinage until 112.^[1]

Trajan and Plotina became the guardians of the future Emperor Hadrian. Hadrian was about age 10 or 11 when he lost his father, who was a first cousin to Trajan, (Trajan’s father and Hadrian’s paternal grandmother were brother and sister). Plotina was fond of Hadrian and strongly encouraged his adoption by the dying Trajan. The adoption occurred at Selinunte in Cilicia, in August 117.^[1] While others state that Plotina hired an actor, after Trajan's death, to impersonate Trajan. This was done in order to adopt Hadrian and thus confirm the succession. When Plotina died she was deified. Hadrian built a temple in her honor at Nîmes.