Pompeia Plotina

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Pompeia Plotina Claudia Phoebe Piso or Pompeia Plotina (died 121/122) was a Roman Empress and wife of Roman Emperor Trajan. She was renowned for her interest in philosophy, virtue, dignity and simplicity. Through her influence, she provided Romans with fairer taxation, improved education, assisted the poor and created tolerance in Roman society.

Plotina was born in Nemausus Gaul (modern Nîmes, France) during the reign of emperor Nero (reigned 54-68). Trajan married her before his succession. Although they had a happy marriage, they were unable to have children. In 105, Trajan awarded her with title of Augusta. 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 some attribute Trajan's choice of Hadrian as his heir to Plotina's influence. While others state that Plotina hired an actor, after Trajan's death, to impersonate Trajan in order to adopt Hadrian and thus confirm the succession. When Plotina died, she was deified. Hadrian built a temple in her honor.

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