Hadrian became an orphan

In 86 AD, when Hadrian was just eleven years old, both of his parents passed away, and Hadrian became an orphan.

When Hadrian's father died in 86 CE, Caelius Attianus, who eventually rose to become a praetorian prefect, and Emperor Trajan, who was Hadrian's father's cousin, were given custody of him. She was quite close to Hadrian because Trajan and his wife Pompeia Plotina had no children. He and his sister were adopted by Trajan and Publius Acilius Attianus, who subsequently served as Trajan's magistrate. At the time, Hadrian was physically active and liked to hunt. When Hadrian became emperor, it is thought that Plotina gave him guidance.

Hadrian, at 14 years old, was later transported to Rome by Trajan, who made sure he received a top-notch education. Trajan urged him to come to Rome and set up his further education in fields appropriate for a young Roman aristocracy. "Graeculus", which was meant as a light sort of parody, was given to Hadrian because of his interest in Greek literature and culture.

Although it is commonly known that Trajan respected Hadrian, historians contend that Hadrian owed Plotina a bigger obligation. She was in charge of setting up Hadrian's nuptials to Vibia Sabina, the niece of Trajan. Additionally, Plotina was the person who recognized Hadrian Trajan as the emperor's heir following the latter's demise (although Trajan spoke of Hadrian as his successor, he never made it official before he died).