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Hadrian was born in Roman Spain ,and his family was one of the most prominent Hispano-Roman families , and his father had achieved senatorial rank. He was to spend most of his youth in Rome and received an excellent education and became fascinated by Greek culture, so much so that he was nicknamed the ‘Greekling’. Trajan, became emperor and his wife, Plotina, was a relative of Hadrian.<ref> Historia Augusta, ''Life of Hadrian'', 1 10.1</ref> This paved the way for the young man to make a rapid advance. Trajan, probably because of the insistence of his wife, favored Hadrian and had him appointed to many top posts. He always carried out his duties with great efficiency and won the grudging respect of the Emperor.<ref> Birley, Anthony R. ''Hadrian. The restless emperor'' (London: Routledge, 1997), p 13</ref>

Hadrian served Trajan during the Dacian Wars and showed himself to be a competent commander. Later when Trajan invaded the Parthian Empire, he served the Emperor in a variety of roles. However, their relationship was often strained as the young man often tried to influence the Emperor. In 117 AD, Trajan fell ill, and it appears that he adopted Hadrian as his son and heir. When the conqueror of the Dacians died, Hadrian was proclaimed Emperor, but this was very controversial. Many believe that Trajan did not adopt Hadrian and that his wife, Plotina, had fabricated the adoption document. Many in the Senate opposed the new Emperor and he executed four of their number to quell silence any dissent.<ref>Birley, p. 119</ref>