Hadrian: Empire and Conflict

Following the success of The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army (13th September 2007 – 6th April 2008) curators at the British Museum have once again transformed the Round Reading Room for their latest major exhibition: Hadrian: Empire and Conflict.

Hadrian, full name Publius Aelius Hadrianus, lived from AD 76-138. He was the ward and protégé of the Emperor Trajan (reigned AD 56-98). Hadrian was born in the Spanish town of Italica (Andalusia). He became Prefect of Syria in AD 114 and was proclaimed Emperor after Trajan's death in AD 117.

Hadrian took control of an empire that included much of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. He realigned the borders and stabilised the territory overstretched by his predecessors. After establishing his authority in Rome he spent much of his time travelling to Spain, Germany, Gaul, Greece, Asia Minor, Mauretania and Egypt.

Hadrian's Wall

His legacy to Britain is the wall stretching from the Solway Firth to the Tyne marking the border between England and Scotland, then Caledonia. Work on the wall began in AD 122 and continued to AD 130. More than 70 miles long, it was built to prevent attacks by Pictish tribes (ancient inhabitants of Scotland). Hadrian hoped the wall would improve economic stability and promote peace in the Roman province of Britannia which lay to the south of the border.

Hadrian - 'the Greekling'

He was not just a military ruler.He loved the Greek language and culture and was well versed in music, literature and architecture and was often nicknamed 'the Greekling'! He founded the Athenaeum, an elegant villa at Tivoli, the city of Antinoupolis, which he named after his male lover Antinous, and restored the Pantheon at Rome, a structure that the British Museum's Reading Room has often been compared to.

These iconic buildings, which were filled with beautiful works of art, often echoed the styles of other famous sites across the Empire. Excavations are still taking place at his villa at Tivoli and newly found items and research are included in the exhibition.

This exhibition, sponsored by BP, and features more than 180 artefacts related to Hadrian's time. New evidence and archaeological discoveries will provide previously unseen insights into the life of this cultured, elegant, yet ruthless military commander.

Highlights of the Exhibition

Pieces from the British Museum's own collections such as the Vindolanda tablets and a bronze head of Hadrian are supplemented by sculptures, bronzes and architectural fragments on loan from institutions around the world. Many of these items are on display in the U.K. for the first time ever and include beautiful marble busts of the Emperor's wife, Sabina, and his close friend, Antinous. The head of Antinous in the photograph was found at a Roman Villa near Frascati.

Also on display are more than twenty items that probably belonged to Jewish rebels who hid in the caves near Jerusalem and took part in the Jewish Revolt of AD 132.

Hadrian: Empire and Conflict - the Publication

Hadrian springs to life on the pages of the British Museum's book, Hadrian: Empire and Conflict. The Emperor's life, his travels and his relationships with Sabina and Antinous are explored by Thorsten Opper, curator of the exhibition.

Events

There will also be a full and varied programme of events including talks by the curator, workshops, family activities, lectures and films.

Conclusion

In all honesty, although this is an interesting exhibition, this writer felt the layout was confusing, and the lighting poor. Hadrian: Empire and Conflict will run from 24th July to 26th October 2008 and further information about the exhibition, events and publications are available from the British Museum.

Hadrian's Wall

Bronze Torso and head of Hadrian from Beth Shean

Maritime Theatre at Tivoli

Colossal head of Antinous (Mondragone Head)

Statue of Hadrian's Wife Sabina

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