Cities Founded or Renamed in Hadrian’s Name (117 -138 CE)

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Simeon Netchev
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published on 11 March 2025
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Emperor Hadrian (r. 117–138 CE) was known for his extensive travels across the Roman Empire and his habit of renaming, founding, or elevating cities in his name. Many of these cities were called Hadrianopolis (Ἁδριανούπολις), reflecting his influence in the provinces. He often granted cities new status, strengthened their infrastructure, or dedicated them to significant events.

Notable examples include:

  • Hadrianopolis (modern Edirne, Turkey) – A prominent Roman, Byzantine, and later Ottoman city.
  • Antinoöpolis (Egypt) – Founded in 130 CE in memory of Hadrian’s beloved Antinous, who drowned in the Nile.
  • Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem) – After crushing the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–136 CE), Hadrian rebuilt Jerusalem as Aelia Capitolina banned Jewish practices and dedicated the city to Jupiter Capitolinus.
  • Hadrianopolis (modern Amasea, Turkey) – The city of Amasea in Pontus was enhanced under Hadrian.
  • Hadrianopolis (modern Neocaesarea/Niksar, Turkey) – The Pontic city of Neocaesarea was strengthened and expanded, gaining the name Hadrianopolis.
  • Hadrianopolis (modern Napoca/Cluj-Napoca, Romania) – Hadrian granted municipal status to Napoca, renaming it Hadrianopolis and expanding its importance in the province of Dacia.
  • Colonia Hadriana (Carthage, Tunisia) – Hadrian refounded Carthage as Colonia Hadriana, reviving the city as an important Roman hub in North Africa.
  • Hadrianopolis (Bulla Regia, Tunisia) – The North African city of Bulla Regia received Hadrian’s patronage and was temporarily renamed Hadrianopolis.
  • Colonia Aelia Augusta Italica (Italica, Spain) – Hadrian’s birthplace, Italica, was expanded and renamed Colonia Aelia Augusta Italica in his honor.
  • The Hadrianic Quarter in Athens – Hadrian transformed Athens into a major cultural center, sponsoring the construction of an entirely new district, including the Library of Hadrian and the Arch of Hadrian, which symbolized the city’s new era under Roman rule.

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About the Author

Simeon Netchev
Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history teacher passionate about the human stories behind past events. He believes every image should tell a story and spark interaction, while each map leads on a journey, blending imagination with education.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Netchev, S. (2025, March 11). Cities Founded or Renamed in Hadrian’s Name (117 -138 CE). World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20133/cities-founded-or-renamed-in-hadrians-name-117--13/

Chicago Style

Netchev, Simeon. "Cities Founded or Renamed in Hadrian’s Name (117 -138 CE)." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified March 11, 2025. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20133/cities-founded-or-renamed-in-hadrians-name-117--13/.

MLA Style

Netchev, Simeon. "Cities Founded or Renamed in Hadrian’s Name (117 -138 CE)." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 11 Mar 2025. Web. 13 Mar 2025.

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