Middle empire

What do we gain when works come from a well-documented excavation?

The importance of the archaeological findspot: The ...

Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Map of ancient Rome and Forma Urbis, from Le antichità Romane, 1835-1839. — This ancient map served as an administrative tool for one of the largest empires in history.

Severan marble plan (Forma Urbis Romae)

Bronze head from a statue of the Emperor Hadrian, 2nd century C.E., bronze, 43 cm high, Roman Britain © Trustees of the British Museum Hadrian (reigned 117-138 C.E.), once a tribune (staff officer) in three different legions of the Roman army and commander of a legion in one of Trajan’s wars, was often shown in military uniform. He was clearly keen to project the image of an ever-ready soldier, but other conclusions have been drawn from his surviving statues. — A bad case of acne or a political statement? Learn about Hadrian’s beard, political image, and accomplishments.

Bronze head from a statue of the ...

Hadrian's Wall, England — At the remotest point of the Roman Empire, Hadrian erected this fortification—a symbol of control and dominance.

Hadrian: Building the wall

Canopus and Serapeum, Hadrian's Viila, c. 117-138 C.E. (Tivoli) — The Empire in miniature, see how Hadrian’s Villa served as a space for both business and pleasure.

Hadrian: The imperial palace, Tivoli

The Pantheon, Rome, c. 125 — The Pantheon has one of the most perfect interior spaces ever constructed—and it’s been copied ever since.

The Pantheon (Rome)

Battle of the Romans and Barbarians (Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus), c. 250-260 C.E. (Museo Nazionale Romano-Palazzo Altemps, Rome) — Romans fight barbarians on this chaotic coffin, which shows signs of a turn in artistic trends.

Battle of the Romans and Barbarians (Ludovisi ...

Maritime Theatre at Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli, Villa begun in 117 C.E — A lavish Roman house in miniature, explore the innermost sanctum of the emperor Hadrian’s villa.

Maritime Theatre at Hadrian’s Villa

Virtual Hadrian's Villa — Explore Hadrian’s Villa in 3D and learn about Hadrian from the emperor himself.

A virtual tour of Hadrian’s Villa

Medea Sarcophagus, 140 - 150 C.E., marble, 65 x 227 cm (Altes Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin) — One of the great myths of jealousy and revenge is carved into this sarcophagus. But why put this story on a coffin?

Medea Sarcophagus

Pair of Centaurs Fighting Cats of Prey from Hadrian's Villa, mosaic, c. 130 C.E. (Altes Museum, Berlin) — Discover the drama of this split second in time, as a centaur flights big cats for his life.

Pair of Centaurs Fighting Cats of Prey ...

Equestrian Sculpture of Marcus Aurelius, c. 173-76 C.E., bronze (Capitoline Museums, Rome) — Due to a fortunate case of mistaken identity, this commanding statue was saved from destruction.

Equestrian Sculpture of Marcus Aurelius