Directory

131 CE

Italy is divided into legal districts managed by consuls, a direct blow to the power and prestige of the Senate. The Edict of Hadrian prohibits the practice of circumcision. Additionally, Hadrian prohibits public reading of the Torah under penalty of death, as well as observance of festivals and the Sabbath, the teaching of Judaic Law, and the ordination of rabbis. Hadrian restores the monarchist policy of Claudius and Domitian. The equestrian order is given full legal status, and attains the second order of the state.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • Reorganization of the Imperial Council: Central administration is reinforced, and administrative positions are entrusted to knights, according to a very strict hierarchy. Under the reorganization, the Roman Senate is excluded from controlling the business of state.source
  • Italy is divided into legal districts managed by consuls, a direct blow to the power and prestige of the Senate.source
  • Hadrian restores the monarchist policy of Claudius and Domitian. The equestrian order is given full legal status, and attains the second order of the state.source

Religion & Belief

  • The Temple of Baalshamin is built in Palmyra.source
  • The Praetor's Edict is definitively codified by Salvius Julianus, on Hadrian's orders. This change means that senatorial decrees become a mere confirmation of the imperial speech (oratio principis) which initiated them.source

Technology & Infrastructure

  • Emperor Hadrian builds the city Aelia Capitolina, on the location of Jerusalem.source

Culture & Society

  • The Edict of Hadrian prohibits the practice of circumcision. Additionally, Hadrian prohibits public reading of the Torah under penalty of death, as well as observance of festivals and the Sabbath, the teaching of Judaic Law, and the ordination of rabbis.source

Deaths

  • Joshua ben Hananiah, leading Jewish tannasource