
The Virtual World Heritage Laboratory has created an animation depicting what Hadrian’s Villa would look like if restored and offers an amazing virtual tour. Hadrian lived 76-138 CE and ascended as the Roman Emperor upon the death of Trajan at the Battle of Cilicia in 117 CE. He is known for his massive building projects, including not only this villa complex but also Hadrian’s Wall in England. He rebuilt the city of Jerusalem after the Jewish Revolt and it’s fall in 69 CE under then Emperor Nero.
Take the time to watch this animation and see where Hadrian spent the vast majority of his time when able to do so. The height of Rome’s imperial expansion came under Trajan, and arguably Hadrian oversaw the height of its architectural prowess.