Pompeia Plotina

Pompeia Plotina Claudia Phoebe Piso or Pompeia Plotina or Plotina was the wife of Roman Emperor Trajan.

Plotina was born in Nemausus (Modern Nimes) in France (Gaul) during the reign of Nero. 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.

Trajan married her before his succession. Although they had a happy marriage, they unable to have children. In 105ad,Trajan awarded her with title of Augusta.

Trajan and Plotina became the guardians of the future Emperor Hadrian. Hadrian at aged 14 lost his father. Hadrian’s father with Trajan is a first cousin. Trajan’s mother and Hadrian’s paternal grandmother were sisters.

Through Plotina’s influence and love for Hadrian, he became his heir and married his third cousin Vibia Sabina. Trajan died 11 August 117ad. Plotina died about 122ad and was later deified.