The reason I have decided to research and analyse sources concerning Hadrian’s building projects are that I believe they provide a good insight into understanding Hadrian himself and also his reign as emperor. Hadrian’s reign has further interest to me due to his lasting impact on architecture, and recent archaeological sites, such as Sagalassos in Turkey, have brought Hadrian into the forefront of ancient Roman study.
Marble bust of Hadrian during his reign
Hadrian’s appearance and the way he presents himself to both his subjects and for future rulers can teach us much about him and therefore his reign. The Greek style beard opposed to the more conservative appearance of cleanly shaven reflects Hadrian’s philhellenic attitude and reflects on his scholarly and somewhat radical approach to ruling. This is reflected in the changes on Roman society with the incorporation of conquered peoples fashions and ideology.
“He built something in almost every city”
Historia Augusta Hadrian 19.9
This source indicates a building boom that spread throughout the empire under the reign of Hadrian. This demonstrated both the affluence and the stability in his reign. To be able to partake in these building projects, Hadrian must have had the funds and resources to make them possible. There would also have to have been stability in the empire to allow the projects to be sustained without disturbances.
The exterior of the Pantheon
The Pantheon was a leading triumph of Roman architecture during Hadrian’s reign that symbolised the nature of the reign itself. It encapsulates both Hadrian’s ability of selecting the optimum architects to fulfil his wishes and the influence of the ancient Greek society on the Roman world. Hadrian greatly influenced the design of the building, such as the domed roof that Hadrian favoured, which would still be a phenomenal feat today. This demonstrated his direct influence on his empire but may also suggest that he was largely concerned with improving the aesthetics of his cities rather than the social issues. The influence of Greece on Rome is demonstrated by the Corinth capitals heading the columns; the structure of the roof also reflects the temple of Athena in Athens, as can be seen on the left. As can be seen, the rectangular shape and triangular roof, though it has fallen down on the temple of Athens, has directly influenced the Pantheon.
The inscription dedicated
By Agrippa and restored by Hadrian
As can be seen in the source, though built by Hadrian, the inscription dedicates the pantheon to Marcus Agrippa. During his reign Hadrian created several spectacular buildings but did not inscribe his name to any, except the temple of his father Trajan. This demonstrates that Hadrian was very modest in his outlook on life. It also indicates that his reign was a period of peace as the same consul was elected three times, suggesting stability in the senate.
The interior of the Pantheon seen from the entrance
To the rotunda
The Pantheon’s ceiling is the largest un-reinforced concrete dome in the world. This demonstrates the ingenuity and innovation of the Roman builders during Hadrian’s reign. The Pantheon was an iconic building during both the ancient and modern world. The scale at which Hadrian was able to build demonstrates again the skills of his workforce and the resources and funding that were available to him. The source also demonstrates the significance of religion in Hadrian’s empire. This temple dedicated to all gods reflected Hadrian’s devotion to the deities and the extent he would go to honour them. The word pantheon is formed of two Greek words, “pan” meaning all and “theos” meaning gods; the literal translation therefore is all gods. This demonstrates that Hadrian intended to honour all the gods of the Roman religion demonstrating his piety.
Marble Head from a colossal statue of Hadrian,
excavated at Sagalassos, south west Turkey.
This colossal statue of Hadrian demonstrated to his subjects in the province of Pisidia the full authority he had over them, as his statue would dominate their view. Found in what remains of the city Sagalassos, the statue represents Hadrian as an almost godlike figure and this would demonstrate to the people of this city the power he had as well as satisfy his own vanity. Statues of this sort are intended to glorify the emperor and this statue more than illustrates Hadrian’s control over a somewhat distant province. The source can therefore be shown to demonstrate the stability of the empire.
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Housteads Crags , Hadrian’s wall
Map of Northern England and southern Scotland with outline of Hadrian’s Wall.
Hadrian’s Wall was built in one of the furthest provinces in the Roman world Britain. It demonstrates military efficiency in being able to complete such a large project in a short time and was also a symbol of authority in the province. The extent of the size of the wall shows the building skills of the Roman builders and also the uncompromising attitude of the Romans by building across all kinds of terrain as seen in the source. The source also indicates limitations of Hadrian’s. Due to the risk of imperial overstretch the wall was formed he as further expansion into north Britain was not feasible.
Aerial view of Hadrian’s villa in the foothills
of the Tiburtine Mountains
As soon as he had been appointed emperor, Hadrian began planning what would eventually become his villa. By erecting this villa, Hadrian enhanced and belittled an established tradition of the Roman emperors. Though motivated by social convention, Hadrian extended his project to further glorify him and distinguish himself form other emperors. The result of his planning and almost twenty years of work was the largest villa in the Roman world. This building demonstrates Hadrian’s attempt to distinguish himself from previous emperors and well as demonstrate to his people the affluence and extravagance of the empire under his reign. His concept of rule was established by this project which incorporated both novel and traditional views and was seen by Hadrian as an architectural wonder where he could do as he pleased.
Statue of Antinous in the guise of the
Egyptian god Osiris
The Statue of Hadrian’s close friend and most likely his gay lover as an Egyptian deity found in the shrine to him after Antinous’ death demonstrates the incorporation of provincial fashions and deities into the Roman way of life. The openness of the shrine to Antinous and several other statues erected in his honour could suggest that the Romans displayed a liberal view on homosexuality during Hadrian’s reign compared to more recent history. However it may also demonstrate the absolute of the emperor that no-one would question his actions.
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