Discuss death. What is Hadrian's attitude toward death, his own and that of those he loves? Does he believe in an afterlife or a prize for his work on earth?

What is Hadrian's opinion of the role of an emperor? What goals does he set at the beginning of his reign, and how does he go about achieving them? Have his opinions about this role changed by the end of his life?

Discuss peace. How does Hadrian's understanding of peace differ from modern understandings of it? What role does war play in Hadrian's worldview?

What role does Antinous play in Hadrian's life? How does Hadrian's attitude toward his young love change over time, and how does he view Antinous after the boy's death? What do we know about Antinous as an individual as opposed to a fixture in Hadrian's life?

Compare Trajan and Hadrian...