LITERALLY, one of the VERY best channels I have ever come across. Being named "Adriano" myself, this got me extremely emotional, as you in very few words was able to capture this piece of history and this man in a magnificent, historically accurate way. Thank you so much!
You forgot to mention the multiple suicide attempts Hadrian has committed out of despair, which Antonius Pius has always managed to save/talk him out of, which probably influenced Hadrian's choice of his heir.
I had a partial memory of that from doing the “Marcus Aurelius” video on our channel. The name “Pius” came from that didn’t it? I might be wrong? Either way I appreciate you teaching us something new :)
Antonius Pius seems have to been a decent man. My favorite anecdote about him involves Marcus Aurelius, when the future emperor was still a boy, and deeply mourning a tutor's passing. A courtier complained to Antonius Pius about the un-Roman public displays of grief, but Antonius Pius chastised the courtier. "Let him be just a man for once; for neither philosophy nor empire takes away natural feeling."
I don't often get emotional with stories of history but the love between these two and Hadrians heartbreak after he was gone is hard to not get choked up at. It's easy to forget these were real people. You do a really good job humanizing these historical figures
it truly is heartbreaking but so beautiful and admirable and inspirational too. althought they would never have been able to marry it wasn't uncommon for the romans to have sexual and even romantic relations outside of their marriage many even used sex as a way to assert dominance amongst the ranks and our themselves
There is something truly mystical and attractive about the Roman Empire, the ancient Roman religion and tredition. It's history and resilience. The Roman nature to innovate and create. Truly an anomaly in history, I'm always fascinated by the Romans
I was reading "Hadrians memoirs" by Marguerite Yourcenar, on vacation, and I was literally sobbing on the beach. There's a line when he found his drowned body "Everything seemed to shut down. Olympian Zeus, Lord of everything, Savior of the world, all collapsed. Only one white-haired man remained, sobbing on the deck of the ship."
if Hadrian could see his lover smiling again after you brought him back to life. he would Have been eternally grateful for such a beautiful gift. and would see this as a great honor! both looked amazing!
Your videos always make me so emotional. They remind me that these historical figures were real people, who lived, loved and many times, lost. Seeing the recreations never fail to bring a lump to my throat. Makes the person so much more real. Great work!
Your recreation of Antinous was so vivacious and lovely - as touched as I was by the exploration of the real men behind the famous historical names, I can’t lie, my first reaction to the recreations was “Get it, Hadrian!”
Sorry for this mistake at 2:23 guys - this is Claudius, not Nerva. Other videos you may enjoy: Marcus Aurelius: th-cam.com/video/TCLmXv3stJ8/w-d-xo.html Alexander the Great: th-cam.com/video/e4mche63vr4/w-d-xo.html
Your report is so spectacularly done that such a minor error means nothing. Especially since the facts and backgrounds are spot on. Well done! I will tell you that the smiles on the recreated faces left me hauntedly saddened. It's like finishing a novel and wanting more of the story that you'll never get. Stay well.
Doesn't look like Claudius to me (perhaps you've corrected it), but in any case, that's a very small flaw. More serious is the mispronunciation of "Antinous" as "Antinus". The "o" and "u" are separate syllables. Otherwise, this video is quite well done, balancing the major historical events of Hadrian's life with his personal life. Both Hadrian and Antinous continue to fascinate many people into the 21st century.
The way you tell their stories before showing your work really humanizes them. Really reminds me that these were people too, with experiences that were just as real as mine.. and your interpretations of how they looked like are really amazing stuff! Looking forward to your future videos. It really is a crime that you have only 62k subs and even less views on your videos!
When Antinous smiled during your amazing recreation .. I cried .. so understandable how Hadrian was so devastated by the loss of this beautiful young man.. felt so sorry for Hadrian .. So glad I was that you put them together in your recreations .. I am sure Hadrian would be grateful indeed ., You have a magical and mystical touch when doing these recreations ., the stories you tell are intriguing and makes your viewers wonder how you will see them .. I have watched all of these you have done and found them all profoundly beautiful.. my favorite was Vincent van Gogh ., from the story you told, this poor soul had so very little in his life to cheer him .. and when you made him smile at the end ., it truly broke my heart ., so beautiful to see .. Thank you so much for the wondrous work you do ,. Jen999💙
More decades ago than I care to admit, I majored in History during my undergraduate years at college. Although I was unable to go on to the superior degrees due to my parents' refusal to pay further tuition, I have continued to read in my major, even to this day. Your encapsulated presentation of Hadrian and of how much he loved and was loved by Antinous, is the FINEST summary of that historical episode that I have ever encountered. I have, in the past, avoided this era, but now I want to go back and steep myself, to the best of my ability, in it. I feel now the same enthusiam I once enjoyed in my first two years of college. Thank you so very much---SO VERY, VERY MUCH---for creating and posting this excellent and inspiring video.
At the personal level, I agree with this. However, with great power comes great responsibility and that relationship's effects on Hadrian's government may on the balance have been negative.
@user-ph8yw2wy8f that's not at all what I meant. This relationship was normal at the time. It's only through the lens of morality, in subsequent times, that homosexuality became a moral failing did history paint these relationships as something sinful. By restoring the historical context, where homosexuality was normal, it restores the beauty of relationships like this.
Ive never heard his relationship with his male lover mentioned disparagingly. Not even really commented on just reported. But then I cant even recall when I first heard hints that Alexander the great also had a male lover. I also read that another great military man, Julius Caesar himself was possibly bi sexual and that this was used as a sneer against him at the time. Not sure where I came across that. Then of course back into mythology there was that great hero Achilles and his partner (sorry hollywood, not his cousin) Patroclus. Ive also heard that several of our Victorian era military heroes were also homosexual. It seems that being gay is no obstacle to being a great and often popular military leader.
I remember the first time I encountered a statue of Antinous in a museum. Stopped me in my tracks. I was mesmerized by how beautiful he was and the story about Hadrian. Antinous remains one of my favorites among ancient Romans.
Museums in Rome are full of statues of half naked young men with perfect profile, but when I saw a bust of Antinous, I couldn't help but gasp, the grace, the poise, the youth, the classic greek "pensive" expression, perfection.
The reconstructions look so realistic, Hadrian who was a Romanized Spaniard looks very much like a modern Spaniard and Antinous, his Bithynian (Thracian) slave/“lover” looks quite Bulgarian (the Bithynians were a tribe in modern Turkey who originate in modern Bulgaria).
Sorry, he wasn't a Spaniard. He was born IN Spain to a family of Italic settlers. He also doesn't imo look at all Spanish. The skull and upper part of the face are too broad for that. He looks almost perfectly like a Central to South Italian. Look up Sergio Castellito.
@@pliny8308 I can see what you mean. We live in Abruzzo, which is central with deep ties to the south. I hate to over-generalize, but nonetheless there is a distinct "look" and physical build to many Abruzzesi with deep ties to the region, which reminds me a bit of what I see in the Hadrian statues and the recreation.
Hmm, you have different types of Spanish and Italians , so I don't see what the point is. Antinous could be mixed and in what is that important. It's a question of love. Much has been written about Hadrian, but the best, imo, is Marguerite de Youcernar. Simply titled . Hadrian
This is the first time i watched your channel! Congratulations for making history back into life! If Hadrian & Antinous knows this channel in heaven they will be grateful & thankful specially Hadrian for telling to the world in this time 2022! Its almost a thousand years for them to get remember again! Im very facinated to your craft and hoping all famous people back in history will recognize! Thank you History Now & Congratulations! 👏🏻😘 Iam praying for many subcribers & likes to come! 🙏🏻 lovelots from the 🇵🇭
The last time he became a sugar daddy his lover drowned in the Nile, soon after the Jews revolted in Judea (modern day Palestine / Israel) and he crushed the rebellion so hard that he effectively wiped out the Jews of Judea and caused the Jews to scatter from the Holy Land for more then 1900 years. He destroyed the 2nd temple and and in it's place built a Roman temple. He destroyed and banned the Jews from Jerusalem and then renamed the city Aelia Capitolina.
The jews were not wiped out from judea for 1900 years. That’s a falsehood as history shows a continuous existence. How can you account for slaughters of people who were not present. Ludicrous.
@@oligultonn Yeah, but he took his lover on a trip around the world first and built hundreds of statues for him. Then the tragedies and genocide happened. So…it was a win until he drowned and Hadrian went mad with grief? 👀
Things like these literally mind boggles me how these ppl lived just like me thousands of yrs ago! How they lived,loved,ruled and shaped the future of the world Thanks so much for ur vids never fails to make me feel as if I am living in that very moment.
This should have mentioned Hadrian's reforms of laws that were cruel and unjust towards slaves, and that he opposed slavery, abolition was of course impossible, but at least he could get rid of the bad laws.
@@ALHAJ79 Who knows? Maybe you are the reincarnation of that great Antonine emperor. Whatever, I am with the late Edward Gibbon that the period was the happiest in human history, when the affairs of men were wisely guided. Ave! Caesar.
Antonius has been a life-long historical favorite of mine. Decades ago, l would read history of Rome's emperors and quietly Discovered this great Couple who had loved each other, with many assumptions on my part! You produced a wonderful Life History of these men and without prejudice, spoke of their great love. Antonius was made a god and was indeed one to his lover/patron Hadrian. Wonderful program! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
This guy was defiantly my favorite Emperor. He was so there for his people. Well maybe all but for the poor wife. He hardly never in Rome, always on tour and establishing peace.
I could be mis-remembeting, but I understood that Vibia went along on the tours of the empire. Not that they were a happy couple, but at least she was able to see the sights...
I would not have believed that a recreation could make Antinous even lovlier than he is in the statues, and yet you did it! I am in awe of your work, and in awe of his beauty.
I hope you know you ruined my weekend, I've done nothing but watch and listen to your channel in amazement 😊. So well done and informative, my favorite so for is Cleopatra.
Having a gay lover was not that of a scandalous or astonishing thing to have during the Greek and Roman period. What astonishes me is the fact you bring life to these magnanimous royals and rulers who once led its people through devastation and glorious moments in our history. Thank you for letting us peek into their once lives.
@@tomgoldman4399 I'm not sure exactly why it was seen as bad? maybe because it was more 'feminine' to bottom? I'm not well versed in Roman history (I'm more interested in Greek history tbh), so I could very well be wrong.
@@cronchybo At the beginning the Romans did not accept homosexuality. They used to see this as a "greek vicious". But at the end of the republic period, homosexuality started to be tolerated, Julius Cesar, the last consul of the Roman republic was famous for becoming one of the first to say publically he likes men too. Maybe the greek influence when the Roman conquered Greece?
However, in the Roman empire, the subject of "pater familis" was very important. So in the end, the Roman accepted and embrace homosexuality but with differentiation into being a top ("dominant similarly to a male subject") and a bottom ("the dominated similarly to a female subject"). You were allowed and was really tolerated to be in a relationship with a man. But depending, you were only allowed to be bottom with older and more powerful men as it was expected submission to your "top" as in a relationship man-woman.
Wow! You did an absolutely amazing job at telling this story. I honestly shedded a tear or two hearing about it. Your recreations are phenomenal, and after seeing your work, Manu Ríos from Netflix's Elite is a dead ringer for Antonius.
I just left Athens 2 days ago and to see the real narrative of one of the most named emperor in some monuments like Adrian’s arch and Adrian’s library makes chill and admirer more my trip! Thank you so much for the content!🙏
Being from Newcastle and right next to Hadrian's Wall I particularly enjoyed this one. This is fascinating art you produce and is also beautifully and precisely narrated too, excellent stuff.
It was rather his love for Bagoas his "chamber aid" that was publicly known and recorded. I am sure Alexander slept with many men but none seems to have had the stature and affection he had of beautiful Bogoas.
I have always loved history, and you breath life into it. I also, really appreciate that you tell their story without prejudice or bias. How fortunate are any of us to love someone in this lifetime, and to have it returned, regardless of sexual orientation. I really enjoy how you inform us about their life, their ups and downs, and successes before you work your magic with your recreations. They are stunning, and help us to connect with them in a way that oil on canvas or cold marble simply can't. Thank you. 💞
Thank you! I have wanted to learn more about Hadrian for decades, but never felt led to research him. Your video has furnished me with a better foundation to start research in the future.
Thanks for this wonderful work. The recreations of both Hadrian and Antinous were astonishing. So it was the way you showed Hadrian as a simple mortal who could desperately love another simple guy. I have read three different theories about Antinous´death. The accident, he fell and drown; the assassination by Hadrian's inner circle concerned about the effect his relationship with Antinous had on him and on the empire; and, the suicide of Antinous, being aware of the effect he had on Hadrian and the troubles with his inner circle. Who knows? Again, thanks for this wonderful history class.
I always loved your works. In this clipy you have surpassed yourself. I mean it is always good to see your works, I love them. In this clip you add the story behind the faces about Hadrian and Antinous which was very lovely and interesting. I also love that you explain why you choose this color over other (hair, eyes, skin). I always love to see your works. Now than ever.
What an extraordinary channel. The recreations at the end were the icing to your beautiful storytelling. Fascinating, controversial and defining slices of history worth knowing. Thank you so much.
I’m really glad to see these renderings of two of the most famous “gay” men in history. I really loved Hadrian’s image, but I get the impressions that several subtle interpretive changes made Antinous come out looking quite feminized. I think it’s important to give honest feedback, so please don’t hate on me.
I completely understand where you’re coming from. The thing that I battled with the most is that he was very young. He died at 20, and then thousands of statues were made in his honor. He was a god. My attempt was to try to make the person.
@@RoyaltyNowStudios I understand your efforts...though the image appears a bit more feminine than the statue images. Thank you for lending a positive message to the history of these famous men and their connection to the reality and normalcy of the existence and world of gay men.
@Jeff Inkhobar My first reaction was that the Antinous recreation revealed Middle Eastern beauty, and that was consistent with the statues. But I'm troubled with the "feminized" descriptor in your post: most of us have elements of both in our features & makeup. Is it a bad thing that men possess feminine attributes? Genuine question.
It's perhaps important to point out that more statues of Antinous have been uncovered in comparison to any other historical figure from the ancient world. The reason for this had to do with the enormous popularity of his cult, which spread throughout the Empire, like you say. Also, Antinous is arguably the first gay man in history to be deified.
@@bullzdawgukCaesar was deified by Augustus, if I remember well. I'm wondering more if the origin of the english word is in "Gaius" referred exactly to Caesar. We know that Caesar was bisexual, but who knows if Antinous was bisexual too?
@@mg4861 Yes, it was Augustus. I love that period of history because Europe's future was poignantly decided in the Battle of Actium. Some points in history have bigger ripples I reckon. This was a huge one. If you are familiar with it, you'll know it was a naval battle that decided Mark Antony's and Rome's fate. The remarkable thing is, he had no experience fighting on the water, which gave him an enormous disadvantage. If he had faced Augustus (Octavian, at the time) on land, he most likely would have defeated him. The entire history of ancient Rome from 31BC onward would be entirely different. It would be interesting to see that alternative reality, in modern times. Anyway, I see what you mean about Gaius. I'm interested to find out and I'll no doubt Google over the next day or so. As far as Antinous' sexuality is concerned, the only confirmed sexual partner, that I know of, is Hadrian. So, we can only speculate. That said, the evidence weighs on him being into men only. More so, since Hadrian had no interest in women sexually. His childless marriage only helps to confirm where he preferred to dip his wick. 😄
Their story brings me to tears every time I hear it. In the art museum in my home city, we have busts of the two, and I find it so moving that they get to be together at least there. Thank you for presenting their story so well.
*Thank you* *BEC* I can't say enough how engaging your voice and storytelling truly are. Remarkable talent of drawing us in if we're there watching in real time. 😊 👏👏👏👏👏
Great video. Maybe Antinous dyed his hair, the ancient Romans did use hair dyes IIRC. Or, if it was a description of his natural hair colour, it was probably either a very dark auburn or jet black (to the point it reflected with a hint of blue). I would have loved to see that Vibia Sabina statue brought to life, she looks like she was a real beauty.
I come from Lancashire about 1 1/5hr drive from Hadrian's wall across the north of England. Visited so many times years ago with my son but always enjoyed. Have often thought of visiting the remains of the German turf wall.
the first time i went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, i saw the bust of antinous there and wept. i didn’t do the same at the statue of alexander nearby, even though alexander was a huge influence on my childhood and how i understood gay history in my youth, and antinous wasn’t nearly as prominent. i just stood there in that little corner of the museum, looking on this bust of antinous, and cried. so i think there’s something to be said for his cult, in the end, some little divinity that remains to this day, striking young homosexuals into moments of devotion even now. your painting captures his beauty, i think, in a similar way. he looks a lot like the boys i used to make up in my head as a kid, for my daydreams.
What beautiful work and choice of subject matter! If you've never seen 'Hadrian' the opera by Rufus Wainwright it really captures the beauty and tragedy of their story. ;_;
Could that young man’s purple hair be from using henna? I’ve seen dark haired Italian women and their reddened henna hair gleams iridescent purple in the piazzas’ sunlight.
I just found your channel and have been binging all your videos. This one made me cheer ❤️ both men were stunningly beautiful and your recreations made me wish to have known them. Thank you for your artistic renditions, I absolutely love your work. All the work you put into retelling these histories are just remarkable ❤️❤️
Antinous was beautiful!...if there were traces of purple in the hair of the statues Hadrian had, that meant his hair was red probably. But either way, I can see why Hadrian fell for him.
@@jamesmiller4184 Yes, Hadrian was in awe of Antinous due to him having all these great qualities. And rightly so. I don't want to get off topic, but I believe Antinous was killed out of jealousy and rage. When people dislike someone they take away what they love most, and in Hadrian's case, it was Antinous. It's a slow but horrible punishment to watch someone fall apart like that. And if you ask me, this came from a woman...a scorned woman at that.
Amazing channel! We all feel so far removed from these ancient peoples, we forget they were real, modern humans with feelings, wants, needs, motivations and tragedies.
Amazing work! Here in Brazil there are one statue of Antinoos in Rio. I love your channel, keep going to produce more excellent videos. Congratulations!
Loved the story. As a former history teacher, I love hearing about some of my favorites. It’s so sad he couldn’t be his true self. Your renderings are beautiful! He looks like Gerard Butler and Antonio’s looks a little like Timothee Chalemet!
I thought exactly the same thing !! There's a famous French painting with Hadrien sodomising Antinous Now I can see Gerald Butler with Timothée Chalamet
Further, My feeling is that Antinous was murdered in a conspiracy, or committed suicide out of depression. The total grief exhibited by Hadrian make anything unlikely.
I'm from England... hadrians wall is still amazing today and there are parts completely intact still. He was amazing. And a big inspiration for me, a gay man.
I loved that you bring life to people who seem two dimensional on a page in a history book. You find the blood and the bone and breath life into them. It's very touching. Thank you!
LITERALLY, one of the VERY best channels I have ever come across. Being named "Adriano" myself, this got me extremely emotional, as you in very few words was able to capture this piece of history and this man in a magnificent, historically accurate way. Thank you so much!
Wow, thank you so much ❤️ so glad you are enjoying it
You forgot to mention the multiple suicide attempts Hadrian has committed out of despair, which Antonius Pius has always managed to save/talk him out of, which probably influenced Hadrian's choice of his heir.
I had a partial memory of that from doing the “Marcus Aurelius” video on our channel. The name “Pius” came from that didn’t it? I might be wrong? Either way I appreciate you teaching us something new :)
@@RoyaltyNowStudios omg i just discovered their story and then i discover your amazing channel
great work
❤subscribing
Antonius Pius seems have to been a decent man. My favorite anecdote about him involves Marcus Aurelius, when the future emperor was still a boy, and deeply mourning a tutor's passing. A courtier complained to Antonius Pius about the un-Roman public displays of grief, but Antonius Pius chastised the courtier. "Let him be just a man for once; for neither philosophy nor empire takes away natural feeling."
Hmmm.... a gay emperor?
@@segogandoel3216 ...Yes. He was gay. That's the video. Very gay. They were in love.
Hadrian was a lucky guy to have found his 'one true love' in his lifetime. Many can't make that claim.
I don't often get emotional with stories of history but the love between these two and Hadrians heartbreak after he was gone is hard to not get choked up at. It's easy to forget these were real people. You do a really good job humanizing these historical figures
it truly is heartbreaking but so beautiful and admirable and inspirational too. althought they would never have been able to marry it wasn't uncommon for the romans to have sexual and even romantic relations outside of their marriage many even used sex as a way to assert dominance amongst the ranks and our themselves
There is something truly mystical and attractive about the Roman Empire, the ancient Roman religion and tredition. It's history and resilience. The Roman nature to innovate and create.
Truly an anomaly in history, I'm always fascinated by the Romans
I was reading "Hadrians memoirs" by Marguerite Yourcenar, on vacation, and I was literally sobbing on the beach.
There's a line when he found his drowned body "Everything seemed to shut down. Olympian Zeus, Lord of everything, Savior of the world, all collapsed. Only one white-haired man remained, sobbing on the deck of the ship."
$TFU
if Hadrian could see his lover smiling again after you brought him back to life. he would Have been eternally grateful for such a beautiful gift. and would see this as a great honor!
both looked amazing!
I agree! I almost expected to see them side by side smiling at each other across the frame.
They both look wonderful. And yes Hadrian would be very happy to see his love smiling at him.
Hadrian was gay and Antonous wasn't. He drowned himself so he could be free from Hadrian.
@@silvermoon8934 And just how do you know that. Citations, please.
@@silvermoon8934 and you know this how????
Your videos always make me so emotional. They remind me that these historical figures were real people, who lived, loved and many times, lost. Seeing the recreations never fail to bring a lump to my throat. Makes the person so much more real. Great work!
Could not agree with this comment more. You make them real by telling their stories, and then make them real again with your imagery. Fantastic!
Fantastic ! Where have you been all my life. You are one VERY SMART COOKIE, BRAVA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THISSS, you spilled with this comment 💀.
Who also committed atrocities
So well put. I feel exactly the same way. Thank you for articulating this.
Your recreation of Antinous was so vivacious and lovely - as touched as I was by the exploration of the real men behind the famous historical names, I can’t lie, my first reaction to the recreations was “Get it, Hadrian!”
Agreed!
Lol. Yeah, Antinous had a hot Daddy.
Ikr
right?! i was like 'yeah, i can totally see why he basically worshipped him'.
I felt in love with Hadrian now xx
If only history lessons in school were this engaging 😔
Home schooling parents take note!
Loved this episode, thank you Bec xx
Lmao
Not in Florida. Talking about Hadrian's connection to Antinous is illegal in Florida.
Because schools now only teach marxist, communist lies.
Yo ant to teach children that pedophilia is beautiful? you must be sick on a different level dude lmao.
@@wfcoaker1398
Florida sucks
Sorry for this mistake at 2:23 guys - this is Claudius, not Nerva.
Other videos you may enjoy:
Marcus Aurelius: th-cam.com/video/TCLmXv3stJ8/w-d-xo.html
Alexander the Great: th-cam.com/video/e4mche63vr4/w-d-xo.html
Small error - it doesnt detract from just how good of a video this is :]
Your report is so spectacularly done that such a minor error means nothing. Especially since the facts and backgrounds are spot on. Well done! I will tell you that the smiles on the recreated faces left me hauntedly saddened. It's like finishing a novel and wanting more of the story that you'll never get. Stay well.
Doesn't look like Claudius to me (perhaps you've corrected it), but in any case, that's a very small flaw. More serious is the mispronunciation of "Antinous" as "Antinus". The "o" and "u" are separate syllables. Otherwise, this video is quite well done, balancing the major historical events of Hadrian's life with his personal life. Both Hadrian and Antinous continue to fascinate many people into the 21st century.
I'm going Gaga on Antonius. My gosh he's so bloody 🔥💪🏻😍
Could You, Please, make a Video about Roman Emperor Diocletian?
Thank You in Advance?
The way you tell their stories before showing your work really humanizes them. Really reminds me that these were people too, with experiences that were just as real as mine.. and your interpretations of how they looked like are really amazing stuff! Looking forward to your future videos. It really is a crime that you have only 62k subs and even less views on your videos!
Thank you ❤️
When Antinous smiled during your amazing recreation .. I cried .. so understandable how Hadrian was so devastated by the loss of this beautiful young man.. felt so sorry for Hadrian ..
So glad I was that you put them together in your recreations .. I am sure Hadrian would be grateful indeed .,
You have a magical and mystical touch when doing these recreations ., the stories you tell are intriguing and makes your viewers wonder how you will see them ..
I have watched all of these you have done and found them all profoundly beautiful.. my favorite was Vincent van Gogh ., from the story you told, this poor soul had so very little in his life to cheer him .. and when you made him smile at the end ., it truly broke my heart ., so beautiful to see ..
Thank you so much for the wondrous work you do ,.
Jen999💙
More decades ago than I care to admit, I majored in History during my undergraduate years at college. Although I was unable to go on to the superior degrees due to my parents' refusal to pay further tuition, I have continued to read in my major, even to this day. Your encapsulated presentation of Hadrian and of how much he loved and was loved by Antinous, is the FINEST summary of that historical episode that I have ever encountered. I have, in the past, avoided this era, but now I want to go back and steep myself, to the best of my ability, in it. I feel now the same enthusiam I once enjoyed in my first two years of college. Thank you so very much---SO VERY, VERY MUCH---for creating and posting this excellent and inspiring video.
Thank you for restoring dignity to their relationship. It's so unusual to hear history without the veil of judgement.
👍👍
At the personal level, I agree with this. However, with great power comes great responsibility and that relationship's effects on Hadrian's government may on the balance have been negative.
@user-ph8yw2wy8f that's not at all what I meant. This relationship was normal at the time. It's only through the lens of morality, in subsequent times, that homosexuality became a moral failing did history paint these relationships as something sinful. By restoring the historical context, where homosexuality was normal, it restores the beauty of relationships like this.
Ive never heard his relationship with his male lover mentioned disparagingly. Not even really commented on just reported.
But then I cant even recall when I first heard hints that Alexander the great also had a male lover. I also read that another great military man, Julius Caesar himself was possibly bi sexual and that this was used as a sneer against him at the time. Not sure where I came across that.
Then of course back into mythology there was that great hero Achilles and his partner (sorry hollywood, not his cousin) Patroclus. Ive also heard that several of our Victorian era military heroes were also homosexual. It seems that being gay is no obstacle to being a great and often popular military leader.
I understand what you are saying, but as a Jew, he is such a loathsome character. He was such a Jew hater.
What a love story! Hadrian was so handsome
I remember the first time I encountered a statue of Antinous in a museum. Stopped me in my tracks. I was mesmerized by how beautiful he was and the story about Hadrian. Antinous remains one of my favorites among ancient Romans.
Read "Memoirs of Hadrian" by Marguerite Yourcenar.
@@MrCrowebobby Thanks for the recommendation. Looks interesting. Will give it a read.
Me too, i didn't even knew who he was, or the whole story of his life, but his statues always captivated my attention among the sea of others.
@@MrCrowebobby Got the book. Good read! Thanks.
You though another man was beautiful?
Weird...
Museums in Rome are full of statues of half naked young men with perfect profile, but when I saw a bust of Antinous, I couldn't help but gasp, the grace, the poise, the youth, the classic greek "pensive" expression, perfection.
The reconstructions look so realistic, Hadrian who was a Romanized Spaniard looks very much like a modern Spaniard and Antinous, his Bithynian (Thracian) slave/“lover” looks quite Bulgarian (the Bithynians were a tribe in modern Turkey who originate in modern Bulgaria).
Sorry, he wasn't a Spaniard. He was born IN Spain to a family of Italic settlers. He also doesn't imo look at all Spanish. The skull and upper part of the face are too broad for that. He looks almost perfectly like a Central to South Italian. Look up Sergio Castellito.
@@pliny8308 I can see what you mean. We live in Abruzzo, which is central with deep ties to the south. I hate to over-generalize, but nonetheless there is a distinct "look" and physical build to many Abruzzesi with deep ties to the region, which reminds me a bit of what I see in the Hadrian statues and the recreation.
Hmm, you have different types of Spanish and Italians , so I don't see what the point is. Antinous could be mixed and in what is that important. It's a question of love. Much has been written about Hadrian, but the best, imo, is Marguerite de Youcernar. Simply titled . Hadrian
Not a slave, but a servant, and a free man, surely?
Historians mentioned that Antinous was greek not thracian
This is the first time i watched your channel! Congratulations for making history back into life! If Hadrian & Antinous knows this channel in heaven they will be grateful & thankful specially Hadrian for telling to the world in this time 2022! Its almost a thousand years for them to get remember again! Im very facinated to your craft and hoping all famous people back in history will recognize! Thank you History Now & Congratulations! 👏🏻😘 Iam praying for many subcribers & likes to come! 🙏🏻 lovelots from the 🇵🇭
Hadrian is the sugar daddy standard.
The last time he became a sugar daddy his lover drowned in the Nile, soon after the Jews revolted in Judea (modern day Palestine / Israel) and he crushed the rebellion so hard that he effectively wiped out the Jews of Judea and caused the Jews to scatter from the Holy Land for more then 1900 years. He destroyed the 2nd temple and and in it's place built a Roman temple. He destroyed and banned the Jews from Jerusalem and then renamed the city Aelia Capitolina.
The jews were not wiped out from judea for 1900 years. That’s a falsehood as history shows a continuous existence. How can you account for slaughters of people who were not present. Ludicrous.
@@oligultonn Yeah, but he took his lover on a trip around the world first and built hundreds of statues for him. Then the tragedies and genocide happened. So…it was a win until he drowned and Hadrian went mad with grief? 👀
Hahaha...💙❤️💜 It! 🤣😂
That is pretty unrealistic standard except the fact that he already married.
I actually fought back tears watching this. Beautiful
Things like these literally mind boggles me how these ppl lived just like me thousands of yrs ago! How they lived,loved,ruled and shaped the future of the world
Thanks so much for ur vids never fails to make me feel as if I am living in that very moment.
This should have mentioned Hadrian's reforms of laws that were cruel and unjust towards slaves, and that he opposed slavery, abolition was of course impossible, but at least he could get rid of the bad laws.
Hadrian was a handsome, brilliant stud and Antonius was a strikingly beautiful young man.
My namesake certainly had good taste! 😉
@@ALHAJ79 Who knows? Maybe you are the reincarnation of that great Antonine emperor.
Whatever, I am with the late Edward Gibbon that the period was the happiest in human history, when the affairs of men were wisely guided.
Ave! Caesar.
I just said "wow" at the recreation of Antinous...just amazing. This was a mesmerizing production. I have books in Hadrian's Wall but never got there!
Antonius has been a life-long
historical favorite of mine.
Decades ago, l would read history of Rome's emperors and quietly Discovered this great
Couple who had loved each other, with many assumptions on my part!
You produced a wonderful Life
History of these men and without prejudice, spoke of their great love. Antonius was made a god and was indeed one to his lover/patron Hadrian.
Wonderful program! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
You mean Antinoüs/ Antinoos
@yitzhak shekkelsteingoldmanberg
I'm sure your English is perfect!
@@olbiomoiros
You know perfectly what l meant.
I'm sure that your English is perfect!
I hope you've read "Memoirs of Hadrian" by Marguerite Yourcenar.
@ＯＦＡＲＡEnglish spelling (or American) is not a mistake if they're writing in English.
This guy was defiantly my favorite Emperor. He was so there for his people. Well maybe all but for the poor wife. He hardly never in Rome, always on tour and establishing peace.
I could be mis-remembeting, but I understood that Vibia went along on the tours of the empire. Not that they were a happy couple, but at least she was able to see the sights...
I would not have believed that a recreation could make Antinous even lovlier than he is in the statues, and yet you did it! I am in awe of your work, and in awe of his beauty.
They were both very good looking, not only by the image of the statue but, by your rendition.
Very well done. 👏👏👏👏👏
I hope you know you ruined my weekend, I've done nothing but watch and listen to your channel in amazement 😊. So well done and informative, my favorite so for is Cleopatra.
Having a gay lover was not that of a scandalous or astonishing thing to have during the Greek and Roman period. What astonishes me is the fact you bring life to these magnanimous royals and rulers who once led its people through devastation and glorious moments in our history. Thank you for letting us peek into their once lives.
the only thing seen as "bad" in a gay relationship in Rome was taking the submissive role, iirc
@@cronchybo 😂 tell me about it
@@tomgoldman4399 I'm not sure exactly why it was seen as bad? maybe because it was more 'feminine' to bottom? I'm not well versed in Roman history (I'm more interested in Greek history tbh), so I could very well be wrong.
@@cronchybo At the beginning the Romans did not accept homosexuality. They used to see this as a "greek vicious". But at the end of the republic period, homosexuality started to be tolerated, Julius Cesar, the last consul of the Roman republic was famous for becoming one of the first to say publically he likes men too. Maybe the greek influence when the Roman conquered Greece?
However, in the Roman empire, the subject of "pater familis" was very important. So in the end, the Roman accepted and embrace homosexuality but with differentiation into being a top ("dominant similarly to a male subject") and a bottom ("the dominated similarly to a female subject"). You were allowed and was really tolerated to be in a relationship with a man. But depending, you were only allowed to be bottom with older and more powerful men as it was expected submission to your "top" as in a relationship man-woman.
I love how you educate us as well as you share your artistic skills with us. A true pleasure. Thanks for doing this.
Thank you ♥️
Wow! You did an absolutely amazing job at telling this story. I honestly shedded a tear or two hearing about it. Your recreations are phenomenal, and after seeing your work, Manu Ríos from Netflix's Elite is a dead ringer for Antonius.
More like Gerald Butler with Timothée Chalamet
One of the best history channel on TH-cam , great job
I just left Athens 2 days ago and to see the real narrative of one of the most named emperor in some monuments like Adrian’s arch and Adrian’s library makes chill and admirer more my trip! Thank you so much for the content!🙏
Being from Newcastle and right next to Hadrian's Wall I particularly enjoyed this one. This is fascinating art you produce and is also beautifully and precisely narrated too, excellent stuff.
The love Emperor Hadrian had for Antinous, reminds me of how Alexander the Great loved Hephaestion, one of his military officers.
😟😟
"his best friend" 😒
Powerful and romantic 🙏😁
They were just friends.
It was rather his love for Bagoas his "chamber aid" that was publicly known and recorded. I am sure Alexander slept with many men but none seems to have had the stature and affection he had of beautiful Bogoas.
I have always loved history, and you breath life into it. I also, really appreciate that you tell their story without prejudice or bias. How fortunate are any of us to love someone in this lifetime, and to have it returned, regardless of sexual orientation. I really enjoy how you inform us about their life, their ups and downs, and successes before you work your magic with your recreations. They are stunning, and help us to connect with them in a way that oil on canvas or cold marble simply can't. Thank you. 💞
imagine Hadrian declared the cult of Antinous, the religion of Rome.. many of us would be worshipping him instead of Jesus..
@ValentineF it would be cute ini? a gay god
Love the history, as well as the recreations! Excellent!
Both men were brave, heroic & romantic not to mention they had good taste. A perfect ❤️ match “love conquers all 🚀”
I love these. Would love to see some Chinese emperors, particularly Wu Zetian.
Ещё хорошо бы увидеть и посмотреть на византийских императоров и императриц, преемников Древнего Рима.
sadly, chinese art-craft isn't as good as greeco-roman culture, so most of the so-called "paintings" of ancient chinese emperors are UNREALISTIC.
Love, love, LOVE! 💖💖💖
Probably the most sexiest and attractive Roman emperor ever lived.
I just discovered your channel. Please don’t ever stop making these ! You are so talented and bring this people back to life
Thank you! I have wanted to learn more about Hadrian for decades, but never felt led to research him. Your video has furnished me with a better foundation to start research in the future.
Thanks for this wonderful work. The recreations of both Hadrian and Antinous were astonishing. So it was the way you showed Hadrian as a simple mortal who could desperately love another simple guy. I have read three different theories about Antinous´death. The accident, he fell and drown; the assassination by Hadrian's inner circle concerned about the effect his relationship with Antinous had on him and on the empire; and, the suicide of Antinous, being aware of the effect he had on Hadrian and the troubles with his inner circle. Who knows? Again, thanks for this wonderful history class.
Thank you very much! I agree, his death was so tragic and sudden. I don’t think foul play is out of the question.
just one episode and i instantly loved the channel.
Ditto that same here.
I always loved your works. In this clipy you have surpassed yourself. I mean it is always good to see your works, I love them. In this clip you add the story behind the faces about Hadrian and Antinous which was very lovely and interesting. I also love that you explain why you choose this color over other (hair, eyes, skin). I always love to see your works. Now than ever.
Thank you very much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Tons of research and time goes into these so I very much appreciate the kind words :)
These was incredible. What a sad story of love. So sad. I hope they are together now
"This led some to believe that she was the utlimate mastermind behind the succession." Plotina doing some plotting
What an extraordinary channel. The recreations at the end were the icing to your beautiful storytelling. Fascinating, controversial and defining slices of history worth knowing. Thank you so much.
I’m really glad to see these renderings of two of the most famous “gay” men in history. I really loved Hadrian’s image, but I get the impressions that several subtle interpretive changes made Antinous come out looking quite feminized. I think it’s important to give honest feedback, so please don’t hate on me.
I agree with you.
I completely understand where you’re coming from. The thing that I battled with the most is that he was very young. He died at 20, and then thousands of statues were made in his honor. He was a god. My attempt was to try to make the person.
@@RoyaltyNowStudios I understand your efforts...though the image appears a bit more feminine than the statue images. Thank you for lending a positive message to the history of these famous men and their connection to the reality and normalcy of the existence and world of gay men.
@Jeff Inkhobar My first reaction was that the Antinous recreation revealed Middle Eastern beauty, and that was consistent with the statues. But I'm troubled with the "feminized" descriptor in your post: most of us have elements of both in our features & makeup. Is it a bad thing that men possess feminine attributes? Genuine question.
@@mcmanpa True what you say. Still the image appears purposely feminized.
I did not know this history or the story of their love. Your renditions of both are amazing. I thank you for sharing this.
Fantastic documentary & handsome hè was 👌
This was wonderful! Thank you
this is by far one of my favorites of many of your work, i love it so much!
It's perhaps important to point out that more statues of Antinous have been uncovered in comparison to any other historical figure from the ancient world. The reason for this had to do with the enormous popularity of his cult, which spread throughout the Empire, like you say. Also, Antinous is arguably the first gay man in history to be deified.
@Duncan Disorderly was not GAIUS Julius Caesar before him?
@@mg4861 Oh I see. You're saying Caesar was the first gay man deified. I suppose you have a point. However, technically speaking, Caesar was bi.
@@mg4861 Oh yea, forgot to say, I did say Antinous was arguably the first gay man deified. This is why I said that. 😄
@@bullzdawgukCaesar was deified by Augustus, if I remember well. I'm wondering more if the origin of the english word is in "Gaius" referred exactly to Caesar.
We know that Caesar was bisexual, but who knows if Antinous was bisexual too?
@@mg4861 Yes, it was Augustus. I love that period of history because Europe's future was poignantly decided in the Battle of Actium. Some points in history have bigger ripples I reckon. This was a huge one.
If you are familiar with it, you'll know it was a naval battle that decided Mark Antony's and Rome's fate. The remarkable thing is, he had no experience fighting on the water, which gave him an enormous disadvantage. If he had faced Augustus (Octavian, at the time) on land, he most likely would have defeated him.
The entire history of ancient Rome from 31BC onward would be entirely different. It would be interesting to see that alternative reality, in modern times.
Anyway, I see what you mean about Gaius. I'm interested to find out and I'll no doubt Google over the next day or so. As far as Antinous' sexuality is concerned, the only confirmed sexual partner, that I know of, is Hadrian. So, we can only speculate. That said, the evidence weighs on him being into men only. More so, since Hadrian had no interest in women sexually. His childless marriage only helps to confirm where he preferred to dip his wick. 😄
OMG....my heart just flies to the stars...a tale i surely remember...
Their story brings me to tears every time I hear it. In the art museum in my home city, we have busts of the two, and I find it so moving that they get to be together at least there. Thank you for presenting their story so well.
These videos are incredibly powerful. So impressed. Just wow.
This is so amazing! Thank you.
*Thank you* *BEC*
I can't say enough how engaging your voice and storytelling truly are.
Remarkable talent of drawing us in if we're there watching in real time.
😊 👏👏👏👏👏
Great video. Maybe Antinous dyed his hair, the ancient Romans did use hair dyes IIRC. Or, if it was a description of his natural hair colour, it was probably either a very dark auburn or jet black (to the point it reflected with a hint of blue).
I would have loved to see that Vibia Sabina statue brought to life, she looks like she was a real beauty.
Antonious do be looking fire og fr fr💯💯💯😌😌😌
amazing work. Thank you so much. And thank you for tackling their relationship without the editing past historian have done
I come from Lancashire about 1 1/5hr drive from Hadrian's wall across the north of England. Visited so many times years ago with my son but always enjoyed. Have often thought of visiting the remains of the German turf wall.
Amazing it's usual. And I love the history behind them as well. It tells you what the world was like in their time.
the first time i went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, i saw the bust of antinous there and wept. i didn’t do the same at the statue of alexander nearby, even though alexander was a huge influence on my childhood and how i understood gay history in my youth, and antinous wasn’t nearly as prominent. i just stood there in that little corner of the museum, looking on this bust of antinous, and cried. so i think there’s something to be said for his cult, in the end, some little divinity that remains to this day, striking young homosexuals into moments of devotion even now.
your painting captures his beauty, i think, in a similar way. he looks a lot like the boys i used to make up in my head as a kid, for my daydreams.
Very nicely and lovingly put, Murphy. I understand.
What beautiful work and choice of subject matter! If you've never seen 'Hadrian' the opera by Rufus Wainwright it really captures the beauty and tragedy of their story. ;_;
Beautiful Antinous ! Handsome Hadrian !
I think your creations of being brought back to life are more truer and exact then others on the internet..Don't stop your talent!!!
Very interesting and moving, his life would make a good tv series or graphic novel. Nice to see them both smile in the recreations.
Truly amazing and I always look forward to these.
You've got a real talent here. Thank you for posting and sharing these gems!!
👍👍👍
Could that young man’s purple hair be from using henna? I’ve seen dark haired Italian women and their reddened henna hair gleams iridescent purple in the piazzas’ sunlight.
Beautiful creations and beautiful presented . I love European history and Royalty .🙏 Thankyou
I just found your channel and have been binging all your videos. This one made me cheer ❤️ both men were stunningly beautiful and your recreations made me wish to have known them. Thank you for your artistic renditions, I absolutely love your work. All the work you put into retelling these histories are just remarkable ❤️❤️
Brilliantly presented.
I can almost see a resmblance to Eric Bana and Timothée Chalamet in the reconstructions. Beautiful work.
Thank you for creating this amazing video and telling the story. You have an incredible voice!! I could listen to you for hours and hours!!
amazing. well done.
thoroughly infortained!
Glad I found your channel. I'm finding myself addicted. Keep up the great work. You're underrated. I hope Netflix will compile your work one day.
Antinous was beautiful!...if there were traces of purple in the hair of the statues Hadrian had, that meant his hair was red probably. But either way, I can see why Hadrian fell for him.
So can I, and so-especially in view of what was reported of his being intelligent and wise beyond his years.
@@jamesmiller4184 Yes, Hadrian was in awe of Antinous due to him having all these great qualities. And rightly so. I don't want to get off topic, but I believe Antinous was killed out of jealousy and rage. When people dislike someone they take away what they love most, and in Hadrian's case, it was Antinous. It's a slow but horrible punishment to watch someone fall apart like that. And if you ask me, this came from a woman...a scorned woman at that.
Definitely intelligent, beautiful, wise and controller of the emperor's heart.
@@zamanasif5766 Oh absolutely. He's so dreamy and amazing.
I’ve always followed your IG posts, but now I’m hooked on these incredible backgrounds! Well done!!!
Thank you so much! I’m trying to branch out and bring the figures all the context they deserve. Instagram has a character limit 😇
Amazing channel! We all feel so far removed from these ancient peoples, we forget they were real, modern humans with feelings, wants, needs, motivations and tragedies.
Your videos are absolutely amazing 🤩
Amazing work! Here in Brazil there are one statue of Antinoos in Rio. I love your channel, keep going to produce more excellent videos. Congratulations!
Superb history lesson and truly inspiring artistic skills.
Loved the story. As a former history teacher, I love hearing about some of my favorites. It’s so sad he couldn’t be his true self. Your renderings are beautiful! He looks like Gerard Butler and Antonio’s looks a little like Timothee Chalemet!
I thought exactly the same thing !! There's a famous French painting with Hadrien sodomising Antinous
Now I can see Gerald Butler with Timothée Chalamet
Same here 😅
Thrilling! First time here...hooked.
Most excellent, particularly Hadrian whom I have admired for so long
Further, My feeling is that Antinous was murdered in a conspiracy, or committed suicide out of depression. The total grief exhibited by Hadrian make anything unlikely.
These facial reconstructions are outstanding. Love these videos of famous people - can watch them all day!
Hadrian Was A Good Looking Man But Antinous Was Just Stunning!
dang! I'm definitely in love with statue of Antinous, he is truly a beautiful creature, it's really unfortunate for Hadrian to ended up losing him
I'm from England... hadrians wall is still amazing today and there are parts completely intact still. He was amazing. And a big inspiration for me, a gay man.
Thanks for the recreation ... I ship them and crying during the story told 😢😢😢
This is the most fascinating channel I have found in a while. New subscriber!❤
Every video is so fascinating... amazing to watch these historical characters come to life. Thank you.
I loved that you bring life to people who seem two dimensional on a page in a history book. You find the blood and the bone and breath life into them. It's very touching. Thank you!
Amazing story! Love to the end!