1. Persecution of Christians: Hadrian's reign saw a period of persecution against Christians, though it was not as severe as some other emperors. He enacted laws that prohibited the spread of Christianity and punished those who professed the faith.
2. Harsh Treatment of Jews: Hadrian's suppression of the Bar Kokhba revolt in Judea (132-136 AD) resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem, the displacement of many Jewish people, and the prohibition of Jewish practices and customs in the region. This led to a significant decline in the Jewish population in Judea.
3. Construction of the Pantheon: While the construction of the Pantheon is widely admired for its architectural brilliance, some saw it as a lavish and unnecessary expense, especially considering the vast resources required for the project. Critics believed that such funds could have been better utilized for public welfare or infrastructure development.
4. Absence from Rome: Hadrian spent much of his reign traveling and engaging in extensive military campaigns, which meant he was often absent from Rome. Some viewed this as neglectful of his responsibilities as emperor and a lack of attention to the affairs of the empire.
5. Autocratic Rule: Hadrian's reign was marked by an authoritarian style of leadership. He made decisions without consulting the Roman Senate and exhibited a strong personality that alienated some individuals. This approach differed from the more collaborative style of governance favored by some previous emperors.
6. Construction of the Hadrianic Wall: While the Hadrianic Wall provided defense against northern tribes, some criticized its cost and believed that it was an extravagance that did not justify its purpose.
It's important to note that these viewpoints are subjective, and many people also praised Hadrian's contributions to the empire, such as his support for the arts, his administrative reforms, and his efforts to maintain peace and stability.