Arch of Hadrian description and photos - Greece: Athens (Topic)

Arch of Hadrian description and photos - Greece: Athens. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Arch of Hadrian.

Photo and Description

Hadrian's Arch is a monumental gate, somewhat reminiscent of the famous Arc de Triomphe in Rome. This building is located in the city of Athens on Amalis Avenue.

The arch was built in 131 AD. in honor of the Roman emperor Hadrian on the ancient road that led from the center of Athens, or rather, its oldest district of Plaka, to the complex of buildings in the eastern part of the city, among which was the Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympion). It is not known who exactly ordered the arch, and who was engaged in the construction and design, although most likely they were citizens of Athens.

Two inscriptions are carved on the wall in the center above the ceiling on both sides, calling both Theseus and Adrian the founders Athens. On the side of the acropolis, the inscription reads "This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus." On the side of Olympion, the inscription indicates that "This is the city of Hadrian, not Theseus." Researchers believe that the arch divided the city into old and new parts. There is also a second version, according to which, the inscription from the side of the new city testifies to the special role of the Roman emperor in the life and development of Athens, for which the grateful townspeople decided to perpetuate his memory. The new part of the city was called Adrianapolis.

The arch is 18 m high, 13.5 m wide and 2.3 m deep. It was built of white Pentelikon marble, which was used in the construction of many Athenian buildings, for example, the Parthenon and the Panathinaikos stadium. However, it should be noted that marble of a lower quality was used for the arch, with various admixtures. At the same time, the arch was carved from solid marble, without the use of cement and other building mixtures. Separate parts of the structure were fastened with special brackets of a special design. The arch is completely symmetrical about the central opening.

In 2006-2008, this historical monument was reconstructed.

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Topic: Arch of Hadrian description and photos - Greece: Athens.