Final answer:
Antoninus Pius fought for Hadrian's deification after his death and was given the name 'Pius' in recognition of his efforts and piety. This reflects the Roman practice of apotheosis and highlights the emperor's close relationships with intellectuals of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual who fought for Hadrian to become a god after death was Antoninus Pius. After Hadrian's death, Antoninus Pius successfully advocated for Hadrian's deification, a process called apotheosis. This event shows the level of devotion and respect Antoninus had for his predecessor. In honor of his efforts and his own virtues, Antoninus was given the name Pius, meaning dutiful or pious, which indicated his piety towards the gods, his family, and Hadrian himself. This was more than just a title; it was an acknowledgement of his loyalty and a reflection of the political and religious practices of the Roman Empire at the time.
The relationship between leaders such as Hadrian and philosophers like Favorinus is indicative of the intellectual climate of the era, where emperors would engage with scholars and intellectuals, both to gain wisdom and for entertainment.