Hadrian's Villa

• Hadrian's Villa was constructed between 121 and 137 A.D. as a retreat for Emperor Hadrian, located in the scenic valleys of Tivoli, just outside Rome.
• This grand complex, spanning over a square kilometre, reflects the emperor’s admiration for the diverse architectural styles he encountered during his travels across the Roman Empire.
• Hadrian began using the villa as his official residence around 128 A.D., and it included more than 30 monumental buildings featuring innovative designs and intricate symmetry.
• The architectural features of the villa were unparalleled until the Baroque period.
• After Hadrian's death in 138 A.D., the villa was occasionally used by subsequent emperors such as Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius, but it gradually fell into disrepair.
• During the 4th century, valuable statues and marble were removed by Constantine the Great.
• In the Renaissance, the villa was rediscovered and looted for its art and marble, notably by Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este in the 16th century.

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• Hadrian's Villa is located near Tivoli, just outside Rome, and was constructed between 121 and 137 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian.
• The villa covers over one square kilometer, making it larger than Pompeii, and includes more than 30 monumental buildings.
• The architecture of the villa is notable for Hadrian's innovative use of concrete, which allowed for striking curved shapes and complex symmetry.
• Among the villa’s significant structures are the Maritime Theatre, a circular building with a central pool, and the Canopus, a long waterway inspired by the Nile.
• The design of the villa reflects a blend of classical Greek and Roman elements, along with influences from Egyptian architecture.
• The villa's advanced water system, supplied by Roman aqueducts, supported its numerous pools, fountains, and gardens.
• Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian's Villa remains an enduring symbol of the architectural and cultural achievements of the Roman Empire.

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One of the most iconic sculptures at Hadrian's Villa is the Discobolus or Discus Thrower. Created by the Greek sculptor Myron around 450 BC, this statue captures an athlete in mid-motion, about to throw a discus. The original bronze sculpture is lost, but several Roman marble copies, including one found at Hadrian's Villa, have survived. This copy is housed in the Museo Nazionale Romano and highlights the classical Greek ideal of the athletic form. Additionally, with its dynamic pose and detailed anatomical precision, it showcases the peak of athleticism and balance.

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The Diana of Versailles, also known as Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, is another renowned sculpture linked to Hadrian's Villa. This marble statue is believed to be a Roman copy of a Greek original by Leochares from around 325 BC. It depicts the goddess Diana in a dynamic, forward-striding pose. Discovered at Hadrian's Villa, the statue now resides in the Louvre Museum. The figure shows a powerful stance, flowing drapery, and lifelike detail. It captures the essence of the Hellenistic style, reflecting both grace and strength, making it a significant piece of ancient art.

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