Hadrian (r. AD 117-138) is known for his restless and ambitious nature, his interest in architecture and his passion for Greece and Greek culture. This book and exhibition move beyond this image to give a new appraisal of this Emperor, exploring the sharp contradictions in his personality and his role as a ruthless military leader, against the backdrop of the events of his 21-year reign, in which he travelled throughout his empire.
As ruler, Hadrian consolidated and strengthened the empire rather than continuing the campaigns of his predecessor Trajan. Individual chapters of the book look at Hadrian the man as an individual, Hadrian the military leader and strategist, Hadrian the amateur architect who created magnificent buildings such as his villa at Tivoli (an empire in miniature), Hadrian the lover who deified his male favourite Antinous after his mysterious death in the Nile, and Hadrian the traveller who tirelessly roamed his empire and its boundaries.
The book will conclude with the legacy of Hadrian, including a discussion of the genesis of Marguerite Yourcenar's famous Memoirs of Hadrian, about to be turned into a major Hollywood film. This important and timely book is richly illustrated throughout with key works of art -both celebrated and less well-known sculptures, bronzes, coins and medals, drawings and watercolours - from major international museums and other public and private collections.
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