It was during Hadrian's sojourn in this country that his favorite, the beautiful Birthynian named Antinous, cast himself for his master's sake into the Nile, and was drowned. t appears that the oracle at Besa had informed the Emperor that impending calamity could be averted only by the self-sacrifice of the one whom he most loved. Antinous believed himself to be designated as the offering, and accordingly gave his life to the river.-Ridpath, 1885