Cars and busses pass by Hadrian’s Arch today. It stands next to the busy street.
The arch of the “Greek loving” Emperor
Erected in 131 AD, Hadrian’s Arch is a grand Pentelic marble gateway positioned on the historic path connecting the Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. This landmark is most famous for its dual inscriptions, which served as a bold boundary line between the ancient “City of Theseus” and the newly expanded “City of Hadrian” to the east. Remarkably well-preserved despite centuries of urban change, the arch stands today as a stunning architectural bridge linking the Classical and Roman eras of Athens.
Watch the Video
The Arch of Hadrian is only one chapter in the enduring legacy of this fascinating, "Greek-loving" emperor. To uncover the full story, watch the video below.
To learn more about construction efforts in Athens during the time of Hadrian, see our post: A Classical Save? Hadrian's Library.