Hadrian and Antinous

Roman Emperor Hadrian lost his heart to Antinous, an intelligent and sports-loving Greek student. The emperor displayed "an obsessive craving for his presence" and wrote erotic poetry dedicated to him. The two traveled extensively and together pursued their love of hunting. In fact, Hadrian once saved his lover's life during a lion hunt. While visiting the Nile, Antinous drowned mysteriously, but some say he was murdered by those jealous of the emperor's devotion. The devastated Hadrian proclaimed Antinous a deity, ordered a city be built in his honor, and named a constellation after him.