The special exhibition “Hadrian: Empire and Conflict” at the British Museum in London will explore the life, love and legacy of Rome’s most enigmatic emperor, Hadrian (reigned AD 117–138). The exhibition will run from 24 July 2008 to 26 October 2008.
Ruling an empire that comprised much of Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East, Hadrian was a capable and, at times, ruthless military leader. He realigned borders and quashed revolt, stabilising a territory critically overstretched by his predecessor, Trajan.
Hadrian had a great passion for architecture and Greek culture. His extensive building programme included the Pantheon in Rome, his villa in Tivoli and the city of Antinoopolis, which he founded and named after his male lover Antinous.
This unprecedented exhibition will provide fresh insight into the sharp contradictions of Hadrian’s character and challenges faced during his reign.
Objects from 28 museums worldwide and finds from recent excavations will be shown together for the first time to reassess his legacy, which remains strikingly relevant today.
Continue reading ‘Hadrian: Empire and Conflict (Exhibition)’
