Hadrian was one of history’s most powerful and respected rulers. As one of the ‘five good emperors’ he reigned during an epoch viewed by chroniclers as the happiest of the ancient period. Starting in 117 A.D., Hadrian ruled for 21 years over an empire spanning three continents. Hadrian ended his predecessors’ expansion politics, stabilized the provinces and became a great emperor of peace and prosperity. His legacy was immense, since Hadrian invested in infrastructure and the arts in all parts of his enormous realm. It wasn’t only Rome and Athens that had him to thank for new buildings and comprehensive restorations, but many other cities of his empire as well.
Design Features
- The shape of cap top and cone inspired by typical ancient Roman building, especially those with a concrete dome
- The pattern at cap top ring and cone ring are also inspired by decoration typically used in Roman Empire, with a connection to the Roman god Janus, who is the god of time
- Clip inspired by a grain of wheat, which comes from the story of Hadrian as the first Roman emperor who passes the initiation of Eleusinian Mysteries
- Cap ring with special engraving inspired by two portraits and an arch: Greek Hero Antinous, who became a symbol of Hadrian’s dreams of Pan Hellenism and Medusa, who is often used on Roman architecture. The pattern around rebuilds a Roman arch
- The special engraving on nib is inspired by the phoenix: which is based on a story between Hadrian and his predecessor Trajan; Hadrian wants to create something different from his adopted father and be remembered. The fountain pen nib is 18kt gold available in Medium and Fine widths.
- The quotes engraved on cap and cone ring are from the books Historia Augusta (Augustan History) stating that Hadrian is a great emperor.