![]() During his visit during the winter of 124 CE, Hadrian commissioned a new aqueduct, completed the temple of Zeus, ordered the construction of a new library and built a new quarter of town called Hadrianopolis. He also declared himself a citizen of Athens and constructed several monuments while visiting the city. For instance, he wore a close-cropped beard usually associated with the ancient Greek philosophers, despite the tradition of clean-shaven emperors. He especially had a fondness for all things Greek. During his travels, Hadrian made many improvements for various other provinces outside of Rome. Hadrian’s Wall was a visible statement of Roman authority in that it served a barrier against small raids and isolated the Empire from other neighboring areas (Grabsky 150). ![]() In 122, Hadrian initiated his building program with the construction of a wall to cover the 73 mile border between Britain and the Roman Empire. He was distinctive as an emperor because he did not want to expand the Empire, as Trajan and many other emperors before him did, but instead he wanted to strengthen its boundaries (Grabsky 145). In fact, 13 of his 21 years in power were spent outside Italy in other provinces. As a result, Hadrian was acclaimed emperor on August 11, 117 (Grabsky 135).ĭespite the centralization of power in Rome, Hadrian traveled extensively to tour the provinces and legions that safeguarded Rome. When Trajan died suddenly in 117, his wife Plotina declared that Trajan had formally adopted Hadrian on his death bed and named him as his successor. Over the next several years, Hadrian built a successful career as an officer with victories that included the capture of Mesopotamia and the annexation of the Kingdom of Armenia. By 101 CE, Hadrian had become a senator and started the break in tradition that resulted with more provincials gaining senate offices. In order to strengthen his connection to Trajan, Hadrian eventually married Trajan’s great-niece, Sabina. Trajan eventually gained more power as a favorite of the Senate’s and eventually became the first non-Italian emperor of the Roman Empire. Trajan, a respected soldier, received orders to go to Rome and Hadrian was brought with him to the capital. ![]() When Hadrian’s father died in 85 CE, he became a ward of his second cousin, Marcus Ulpius Trajanus, known as Trajan. Many of his ancestors served as magistrates and his most notable great-great-great-grandfather was a senator during the reign of Julius Caesar. The emperor who would be known simply as Hadrian was born Publius Aelius Hadrianus on January 24, 76 CE. Hadrian’s provincial origins led to his reputation as a “man of the Empire, not the capital” which he proved with his extensive travels as emperor. In order to understand the history and significance of the Pantheon, it is important to first examine the man who is responsible for the building as it stands today.īoth Hadrian and his predecessor Trajan were from Italica, Hispania, in modern-day Spain. The Pantheon as it is seen today is the result of the Roman emperor Hadrian’s substantial building program that included the construction of bridges, temples, monuments and even entire towns. Despite numerous restorations and renovations over the past few centuries, the main building is largely intact and contains much of the ancient, original marble that was imported for the temple. Although it was built almost two thousand years ago with basic materials, the Pantheon is still revered as an architectural masterpiece. It's an educational and stunning place to visit for adults and kids.After visiting the Pantheon and admiring its elegant design, the artist Michelangelo proclaimed “desegno angelico e non umano,” that it was the design of angels and not of man. You can also view gorgeous sculptures, frescoes, paintings and artwork. You can learn about the principles that went into building this temple and why they were applied. Mary and the Martyrs, and is informally called the Santa Maria Rotunda by locals.Ī visit to the Pantheon lets you participate in modern Catholic ceremonies, view the tombs of two different kings of Italy and one queen plus many other important historical figures and artists, and see stunning architecture that is thousands of years old. It has seen continuous use since it was originally constructed, even today being used as a Roman Catholic Church dedicated to St. ![]() The Pantheon offers a look at the spiritual history of ancient Rome from ancient days through modern Christianity, and it is one of the best-preserved of Ancient Roman structures. ![]()
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