The second part of Hadrian's journey through the province of Asia in the Summer of 124 took him southward to the great cities of Pergamon, Sardis, Smyrna and Ephesus. From Hadrianotherae, where the Emperor had a successful bear hunt (see here), his route would have taken him up along the rugged Caicus River Valley, which…

Following Hadrian

02.10.2024

Summer AD 124 – Hadrian tours Asia (part 3), visits Smyrna and Ephesus and sails to Athens (#Hadrian1900) FOLLOWING HADRIAN

After Pergamon and Sardis (see here), two other great cities of western Asia had their turn to receive Hadrian and his party, Smyrna and Ephesus. Both metropoleis were perennial rivals, competing with each other for first place in the province and the granting of the acclaimed title neokoros. Travelling with Hadrian was one of the most renowned sophists of…

Following Hadrian

13.11.2024

Autumn AD 124 – Hadrian arrives in Athens and attends the Eleusinian Mysteries (#Hadrian1900) FOLLOWING HADRIAN

Eleven years had passed since Hadrian last visited Athens. During his stay there, while in his mid-thirties, he became an Athenian citizen, enrolled in the tribe Besa and served as archon (IG II² 2024) before departing to join Trajan's Parthian campaign in the East. He may have visited several cities besides Athens, but we have no…

Following Hadrian

18.12.2024

The Eight Faces of Hadrian in Tivoli FOLLOWING HADRIAN

Earlier this year, the Mouseia of Villa Adriana hosted an exhibition dedicated to the portraits of Emperor Hadrian. Titled "Io Sono Una Forza Del Passato: Adriano, i ritratti" ("I Am a Force of the Past: Hadrian's Portraits"), this exhibition presented, for the first time, all forms of Hadrian's portrayal. It featured nine portraits of Hadrian…

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Following Hadrian

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Summer AD 124 – Hadrian tours Asia (part 2) and visits Pergamon and Sardis (#Hadrian1900) FOLLOWING HADRIAN

Summer AD 124 – Hadrian tours Asia (part 3), visits Smyrna and Ephesus and sails to Athens (#Hadrian1900) FOLLOWING HADRIAN

Autumn AD 124 – Hadrian arrives in Athens and attends the Eleusinian Mysteries (#Hadrian1900) FOLLOWING HADRIAN

The Eight Faces of Hadrian in Tivoli FOLLOWING HADRIAN

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Following Hadrian