Pompeia Plotina

Who was Pompeia Plotina?

Pompeia Plotina Claudia Phoebe Piso or Potius piolet was a Roman Empress and wife of Roman Emperor Trajan. She was renowned for her interest in philosophy, and her virtue, dignity and simplicity. She was particularly devoted to the Epicurean philosophical school in Athens, Greece. Through her influence, she provided Romans with fairer taxation, improved education, assisted the poor, and created tolerance in Roman society.

Plotina was born and was raised in Tejada la Vieja in the province of Hispania during the reign of Roman Emperor Nero. She was the daughter of Lucius Pompeius and Plotia, who had extensive political and familial connections. Trajan married her before his accession and, although a happy marriage, they had no known children. In 100, Trajan awarded her with title of Augusta, but she did not accept the title until 105. Plotina did not appear also on the coinage until 112.

Trajan and Plotina became the guardians of the future Roman Emperor Hadrian, who was about 10 or 11 when he lost his father, a first cousin once removed to Trajan. Plotina was fond of him and strongly encouraged his adoption by the dying Trajan, which occurred at Selinunte in Sicily in August 117.