The Roman Emperor Hadrian was born in 76 in Italica in modern Spain. When his parents died, he became the ward of Emperor Trajan and received an excellent education. Later, he followed a military career next to the emperor, who selected him as his successor before his death. Since he was born in a province, Hadrian failed to develop an emotional bond with Rome and preferred to travel to various regions of the empire. He was particularly fond of Greece, and his dedication to Greek ideals defined his life. His administration was notable for his defensive and pacifist policies, the imperial patronage of arts and letters, and an extensive building programme that paid particular attention to Athens. Hadrian spent the last years of his life in deep mourning for the loss of his lover, Antinous, who drowned in the Nile.