Arch of Hadrian, Roman triumphal arch near Syntagma Square, Athens, Greece
The Arch of Hadrian is a monumental gateway of Pentelic marble, 18 m high, 13.5 m wide and 2.3 m deep, built without mortar using clamps. Its lower level has a single 6.5 m arched passageway flanked by Corinthian columns on projecting bases; the upper level carries four Corinthian columns and a triangular pediment above the central opening.
The arch was probably commissioned by the citizens of Athens to mark Hadrian's arrival and the dedication of the nearby Temple of Olympian Zeus in 131 or 132 AD. Two inscriptions name Theseus and Hadrian as founders of Athens. Excavation has disproved the early idea that the arch stood on the ancient city wall and divided the old city from a new Roman quarter.
The inscriptions on each side of the arch honor Theseus and Hadrian as city founders, showing how Athens acknowledged both its Greek roots and Roman patronage. You can see these different messages when you walk around the structure.
The monument is open to viewing at all hours without any entrance fee, making it easy to visit whenever you pass by. The nearby Akropoli metro station provides straightforward access to reach this central location.
The structure features two marble inscriptions facing opposite directions: one side credits Theseus as founder of ancient Athens, while the other honors Hadrian as founder of the new city. This dual message demonstrates how Roman rulers acknowledged and incorporated Greek heritage.
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