Special Crossover w/ Ancient History Fangirl! Hadrian in Athens
Nov 14, 2023
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Genn and Jenny from Ancient History Fangirl join Liv to discuss Roman Emperor Hadrian's love for Greece and his building projects in Athens. They explore Hadrian's visits to Athens, his involvement in Greek festivals, and the influence of Greek and Roman gods. The chapter also delves into the Library of Hadrian, the Roman Agora, and the hosts' excitement about the topic.
Hadrian's building projects in Athens aimed to make the city reminiscent of ancient Greece.
Hadrian's generosity extended to various building projects, including the Library of Hadrian and an aqueduct.
Hadrian's architectural influence can be seen in the completion of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and other structures in Athens.
Deep dives
Hadrian's love for Greece and obsession with Athens
Hadrian, the Roman Emperor, had a deep love for Greece and was particularly obsessed with Athens. He visited Greece three times during his reign and even lived in Athens as the elected Archon before becoming emperor. His love for Greek culture and philosophy manifested in his various building projects in Athens, where he aimed to make the city reminiscent of ancient Greece.
Generosity towards Athens and lavish gifts
Hadrian spoiled the Athenians with his generosity, granting them large sums of money and a yearly dole of grain. He even gifted them the island of Keflonia. His generosity extended to various building projects, such as the Library of Hadrian, which served as a library and central hub for the city. Additionally, he paved the Roman Agora with marble and commissioned an aqueduct that supplied water to the city.
Impressive architectural feats: The Temple of Olympian Zeus
One of Hadrian's most impressive architectural projects was the Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Temple of Zeus. Although construction of the temple started centuries before Hadrian's reign, he played a significant role in its completion. The temple, made of marble and standing at an impressive height, dwarfed the iconic Parthenon. Hadrian's architectural influence is also seen in the Library of Hadrian and the aqueduct he commissioned in Athens.
Hadrian's contributions to the theater of Dionysus
Hadrian played a significant role in the restoration and renovation of the theater of Dionysus in Athens. He presided over the Great Dionysia, a festival where plays were performed, and he was involved in the sacred games associated with the festival. Hadrian also initiated the restoration of the theater, which had been damaged over time and by previous invaders. He fully restored the theater, including adding elaborate freeze carvings that showcased the gods and the festival itself. Hadrian's projects in the theater and his connection to the festival demonstrated his importance and his efforts to be welcomed by the Athenian community.
Hadrian's impact on Athens and the Temple of Olympian Zeus
Hadrian made significant contributions to the city of Athens, including the completion of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which had been under construction for centuries. He also built a Roman bath complex near the temple and commissioned other temples and structures in the area. Hadrian's restoration and building projects transformed the city, making it more luxurious and bringing Roman influence to Greek architecture. Despite being a Roman colonizer, Hadrian's efforts to rebuild and improve Athens elevated its status and cemented his connection to the city. His contributions also included creating statues of himself, showing his reverence for the Greek gods and his desire to be honored by the Athenian people.
CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing.
