Hadrian's Villa Of Rome

Emperor Hadrian constructed a villa at Tivoli as a retreat from Rome. His dislike of the Palatine Hill in Rome lead to the building of the retreat. The area chosen for residence is said to have been occupied in the Republican age by a smaller villa owned by the family of Hadrian’s wife. The luxurious architectural complex consisted of over 30 buildings, lakes, and gardens that spread over half a square mile. They had notable similarity to classical Greek architecture and Egyptian architecture. The villa was the greatest Roman example of an Alexandrian garden, recreating a sacred landscape. The complex included palaces, several thermae (baths), theatre, temples, libraries, state rooms, and quarters for courtiers, praetorians, and slaves. A structure …show more content…
Hadrian governed the empire from the villa and started using the villa as his official residence in his later years of reign. This required a court to live there permanently and large numbers of visitors and bureaucrats would have been entertained and housed there as well. Around the villa, many artifacts have been restored such as marble statues of Antinous, Hadrian’s lover, who accidently drowned in Egypt. Mosaics from the theater and baths were also restored. The villa utilizes numerous architectural styles and innovations. The domes of the steam baths have circular holes that are dispersed on the apex that allow steam to escape. This is similar to the Pantheon which was also built by Hadrian. There was an underground tunnel that was used to transport servants and goods from one area to another. The villa has been described as an architectural masterpiece. Hadrian’s villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important cultural and archaeological site. Now it is the property of the Republic of Italy, and has been directed by the Polo Museale del Lazio in