Graham, Alexander: Roman Africa: an outline of the history of the Roman occupation of North Africa ; based chiefly upon inscriptions and monumental remains in that country (London [u.a.], 1902)

Africa under Hadrian

criticism of the Emperor's designs (probably justifiable from an
architect's point of view) should be followed by an order of
Hadrian to put Apollodorus to death, and that his instructions
were carried out forthwith. This is the story as told by Dion,
who gives no authority for the statement. Hadrian, we are told,
submitted to Apollodorus his design for a Temple of Venus
to be erected in Rome, and the architect sent word to the
Emperor that the proposed edifice was not high enough ' nor
large enough ; that in height it was not important enough for
such a thoroughfare as the Via Sacra. The proposed statues
were too large and not proportioned to the height of the build-
ing, and if the goddesses should feel inclined to rise from their
sitting posture, the roof would hinder them.' Spartian makes
no mention of this tale, nor does it find a place in the works of
other Latin authors who treat of this period of Roman history.1
It is satisfactory to note that so many writers of repute give
little credence to it, regarding the legend as having originated
with some court gossip. Or it might have been the invention
of Suetonius, the Emperor's secretary, who was dismissed from
imperial service for disrespectful behaviour to the Empress
Sabina.

Few empresses have left a slighter record than the wife of
Hadrian. Her marriage was a matter of imperial policy, and
does not appear to have been based on affection on either side
The little we know of Sabina's public and private life gives
evidence of amiability and benevolence. From the day that
she entered the palace of the Caesars to her decease, some two
years before the death of the Emperor, her time passed unevent-
fully, taking little interest in Hadrian's incessant travels, and
bearing with equanimity a harshness of conduct to which she
became accustomed with advancing years. Whether Sabina
ever accompanied the Emperor in either of his journeys through
the African provinces is doubtful, but an inscription found many
years ago on a marble pedestal at Saldae (Bougie) renders it
probable. The dedication is to the Empress, and is thus inter-
preted by Hubner:2

Diva Sabince Augustce coloni colonics Julia Salditana
decreto decurionum, pecunia publico, posuerufit

1 Vide Ferd. Gregorovius, The Emperor Hadrian, b. ii. c. xxv. Duruy, Histoire
des Remains, iv. 395.

2 Acad. Berlin, Societas Rcgia Scientiarum, /Emilius Hubner, 1885.