Hadrian: Empire and Conflict

24 July - 26 October 2008

This special exhibition explores the life, love and legacy of Rome's most enigmatic emperor, Hadrian (reigned AD 117-138).

Ruling an empire spanning much of Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East, Hadrian was a ruthless military leader, stabilising a territory overstretched by his predecessor, Trajan.

He also had a great passion for architecture and his building programme included the Pantheon, his villa in Tivoli and the city of Antinoopolis, named after his male lover Antinous.

The exhibition includes objects from 31 museums worldwide and finds from recent excavations, providing a reassessment of Hadrian's legacy, which remains strikingly relevant today

The BP Special Exhibition