however, unlike those of the Augustan age, far superior to its
poets. The most famous prose writers were TACITUS, PLINY THE YOUNGER,
and QUINTILIAN.

The poets of this period were JUVENAL, PERSIUS, MARTIAL, LUCAN, and
STATIUS, of whom the last two were of an inferior order.

HADRIAN (117-138).

Trajan was succeeded by his cousin's son, HADRIAN, a native of Spain.
One of the first acts of Hadrian was to relinquish the recent conquests
of Trajan, and to restore the old boundaries of the Empire. The reasons
for this were that they had reached the utmost limits which could lend
strength to the power of Rome, or be held in subjection without
constant and expensive military operations. The people occupying the
new conquests were hardy and warlike, scattered over a country easy of
defence, and certain to strive constantly against a foreign yoke.

Hadrian displayed constant activity in travelling over the Empire,
to overlook personally its administration and protection. He visited
Britain, where he crushed the inroads of the Caledonians and built a
fortified line of works, known as the PICTS' WALL, extending from sea to
sea. The remains of this great work are still to be seen, corresponding
nearly to the modern boundary between England and Scotland. He also
visited the East, where the Jews were making serious trouble, and
completed their overthrow.

On his return to the city, the Emperor devoted himself to its adornment.
Several of his works, more or less complete, still remain. The most
famous of these is the MAUSOLEUM (Tomb) OF HADRIAN, now known as the
Castle of San Angelo.

Hadrian was afflicted with bad health, suffering much from diseases
from which he could find no relief. On account of this, and to secure
a proper succession, he associated with himself in the government TITUS
AURELIUS ANTONINUS, and required him to adopt Marcus Annius Verus and
Lucius Verus. In 138, soon after this arrangement was made, Hadrian
died, leaving the Empire to Titus.

TITUS AURELIUS ANTONINUS PIUS (138-161).

ANTONINUS, a native of Gaul, was fifty-two years old when he succeeded
to the throne. The cognomen PIUS was conferred upon him by the Senate on
account of the affectionate respect which he had shown for Hadrian.
He was a man of noble appearance, firm and prudent, and under him the
affairs of state moved smoothly.

MARCUS AURELIUS ANTONINUS (161-180).

On the death of Antoninus, Marcus Annius Verus succeeded him under