Hi, I’m Hadrian. Welcome to my crib.
Thanks for coming out to Tivoli in the Lazio Region of Italy. Way back when, this area was considered a part of my great Roman Empire. I ruled here from 117 AD to 138 AD and had a large influence on great building and structural projects of the empire. I am most well known for my marvelous Hadrian’s Wall. In addition to the wall, I constructed this immense Villa–a great display of classical architecture. This is my place for governmental retreat outside of the city of Rome. Now let me take you through.
Pecile and Antinoeion
Let’s first explore the Pecile. The Pecile is a man-made terrace housing a lovely garden and a piscina, or pool. This area is great for storage purposes or for an ambulatio (a stroll). Passing through we have the Antinoeion. This sanctuary is composed of two temples–an honor to my lover Antinous, who unfortunately passed away drowning in the Nile. I’m not ready to share all my secrets with the world just yet. If you want to know more check out these titles: Beloved and God: The Story of Hadrian and Antinous and Memoirs of Hadrian.
Philosopher’s Hall
The Philosopher’s Hall is my audience hall, similar to the audience hall the Apãdana, an important architectural piece of the Persian Empire. Emperor Darius was great and all, but I have just as cool of an audience hall as him…some may say even better. Having strong conquests and a strong empire, makes a strong ruler. But having an audience hall to celebrate such strength and success is just as important.
Maritime Theater
Now let’s head over to the Maritime Theater. I am just so fascinated by art and architecture and this theater is the perfect embodiment of that. I believe it is one of the most grand structures you will see in all of Italy! The Maritime Theater is my little Island Villa within my Villa. Its circular design is a unique twist on a Roman house. There is a moat surrounding the circular building and many oval sections within the Maritime Theater.
Canopus
One of my favorite areas of the Villa is also one of my most creative architectural structures. There are many columns in a curved colonnade with an arched architrave. Some of my favorite statues can be seen in the Canopus under the arches. The statues I chose to display are inspired by ancient Greece and Egypt. You may notice a crocodile among them; sometimes I am scared it will come to life. Down the middle of the Canopus is a central line of water. Water is so important to me just as the Nile river is to the people of Egypt. These two civilizations–Greece and Egypt have greatly influenced my own empire and rule. I love Greece and Egypt. Even my beard can be seen as a visual representation of my love for Greek culture and societal norms.
The Baths
Baths are such an important part of Roman society–that is why I have many. The Large Baths and Small Baths are both bathing rooms.. Personally, I use the Small Baths to admire the marble and mosaics that decorate the bathing room. Scholar William MacDonald raves about the decor in my Small Baths stating:
“It is safe to say that in the Baths, well-established principles were followed in decorating the interior.”
William MacDonald,
“The Small Baths at Hadrian’s Villa”
In contrast, the Large Baths are more for public and servant use…a little less luxurious than the Small Bath. Take a peek here to explore more about the precious marbles used to decorate the baths
Libraries
I love Greece so much I couldn’t have just a Latin library. So instead, I constructed two libraries: one with Latin texts and the other Greek. These libraries are just lovely! They overlook my magnificent garden of course.
Palazzo Imperiale
A great final spot! Here we have the Palazzo Imperiale. This is my Imperial Palace! I get a little emotional talking about the Palace as it was one of the first buildings of the Villa that was constructed. I made sure this piece of my Villa was just as elaborate as the rest. One of my favorite details of the Imperial Palace is the opus vermiculatum mosaic flooring. I wish we had time to explore the whole Villa, but that’s going to be all for today. I hope you enjoyed exploring my favorite spots!
Tune in next time on MTV Cribs for Empress Livia touring us around the Villa of Livia!
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Kelly Kowenhoven is part of the Colgate University Class of 2026. Currently undecided, she plans on majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geography. She has enjoyed exploring her personal interests in art history and ancient civilizations by diving into Hadrian’s Villa.
