Hadrian's Library

Hadrian's Library was created by Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132 on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens.[1][2]

Hadrian's Library
Βιβλιοθήκη του Αδριανού
West wall of the Library of Hadrian
Shown within Athens
LocationGreece
RegionAthens
Coordinates37°58′32″N 23°43′34″E
TypeLibrary
History
MaterialMarble
Founded132 AD
PeriodsClassical era
CulturesAncient Greece, Ancient Rome
Associated withEmperor Hadrian
Site notes
OwnershipPublic property
ManagementMinister for Culture
Public access Monastiraki station

The building followed a typical Roman Forum architectural style, having only one entrance with a propylon of Corinthian order, a high surrounding wall with protruding niches (oikoi, exedrae) at its long sides, an inner courtyard surrounded by columns and a decorative oblong pool in the middle.[3] The library was on the eastern side where rolls of papyrus "books" were kept. Adjoining halls were used as reading rooms, and the corners served as lecture halls.

The library was seriously damaged by the Herulian invasion of 267 and repaired by the prefect Herculius in AD 407-412.[4] During Byzantine times, three churches were built at the site, the remains of which are preserved:

  • a tetraconch (5th century AD)
  • a three-aisled basilica (7th century), and
  • a simple cathedral (12th century), which was the first cathedral of the city, known as Megali Panagia.

Around the same period as the cathedral another church, Agios Asomatos sta Skalia, was built against the north facade, but it is not preserved.

  • View from south. Here is visible the tetraconch, built in the court of the library
  • Stone inscription inside the Library of Hadrian honouring Hadrian
  • Relief fragment of a Gorgoneion. Museum at Hadrian's Library. 2nd century AD

References
  1. Choremi-Spetsieri, A. The Library of Hadrian at Athens: Recent Finds. Ostraka 4. pp. 137–147.
  2. "The Library of Hadrian". The Stoa Consortium. Retrieved 2009-02-19.
  3. "Library of Hadrian Description". PlanetWare. Retrieved 2009-02-19.
  4. "Hadrian's Library". Athens City Guide. Retrieved 2009-02-19.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.