An Edict of Hadrian from Maroneia

Abstract

An inscription from Maroneia, dated to 131/132, contains a letter of Hadrian in which he aims to prevent abuse of the vehiculatio on the part of those crossing by sea to Samothrace and/or traveling by land along the Thracian and Macedonian coasts. A notable aspect of the letter is its reference to «the Greek cities». Though many problems remain, it throws light on the emperor’s return from Judaea, now shown to have begun already in 132 and to have brought him along a more southerly route than previously assumed.