Fact Check: "Roman Emperor Hadrian was both gay and a pedophile."
What We Know
Roman Emperor Hadrian (76-138 AD) is historically noted for his relationship with Antinous, a Greek youth from Bithynia, who became Hadrian's favorite and lover. Antinous was born around 111 AD and was deified after his untimely death in 130 AD, with Hadrian founding a city in his honor and establishing a cult devoted to him (source-1). The nature of Hadrian's affection for Antinous has led to discussions about Hadrian's sexuality, with many historians agreeing that he had homosexual relationships, which were not uncommon in ancient Rome (source-4).
Pederasty, a socially accepted practice in ancient Greek culture, involved relationships between older men and younger boys, typically aged 12 to 18. While such relationships were not as prevalent in Roman culture, they did occur among the elite (source-2). Hadrian's relationship with Antinous is often framed within this context, although the exact age at which Antinous became Hadrian's favorite is not documented (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that Hadrian was "both gay and a pedophile" is nuanced. The term "gay" can be applied to Hadrian based on his documented relationships with men, including Antinous. Ancient sources indicate that Hadrian's marriage to Sabina was unhappy, and there is no substantial evidence that he expressed sexual attraction to women (source-4).
However, the term "pedophile" carries modern connotations that may not accurately reflect ancient practices. In ancient Rome, relationships between older men and younger boys were often seen as part of a mentorship and educational framework, rather than purely sexual exploitation (source-2). While Hadrian's relationship with Antinous involved a significant age difference, the specific age of Antinous at the start of their relationship remains unclear, complicating the application of the term "pedophile" in a contemporary sense.
The sources discussing Hadrian's relationships are generally reliable, coming from historical texts and scholarly interpretations. However, interpretations can vary, and some sources may exhibit bias based on modern perspectives on sexuality and relationships (source-6).
Conclusion
The claim that "Roman Emperor Hadrian was both gay and a pedophile" is Partially True. Hadrian's relationships with men, particularly Antinous, support the assertion of his homosexuality. However, labeling him as a "pedophile" oversimplifies and misrepresents the complexities of ancient Roman social norms regarding relationships between older men and younger boys. The historical context must be considered to avoid anachronistic interpretations.
