Pompeia Plotina
Pompeia Plotina Claudia Phoebe Piso or Pompeia Plotina or Plotina (died c. 121) was the wife of Roman Emperor Trajan. 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.
Plotina was born in Nemausus (modern Nimes) in Gaul during the reign of Nero. Trajan married her before his succession. Although they had a happy marriage, they were unable to have children. In 105, Trajan awarded her with title of Augusta. Trajan and Plotina became the guardians of the future Emperor Hadrian, when Hadrian was about age 10 or 11, lost his father, who was first-cousin, once-removed of Trajan, (Trajan’s father and Hadrian’s paternal grandmother were brother and sister). Plotina was fond of Hadrian, and some attribute Trajan's choice of Hadrian as his heir to Plotina's influence. While others state that Plotina hired an actor, after Trajan's death, to impersonate Trajan in order to adopt Hadrian and thus confirm the succession.
Plotina died about 121 and was later deified. Hadrian built a temple in her honor.