Hadrian’s Arch
The Arch of Hadrian is a monumental gateway resembling a Roman triumphal arch.
The Arch of Hadrian is a monumental gateway resembling a Roman triumphal arch. It connected an ancient road from the old eastern neighborhood of Athens with the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The arch was built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and to honor him for his many benefactions to the city from 132 AD.
It is not certain who commissioned the arch, although it is probable that the citizens of Athens or another Greek group were responsible for its construction and design. There were two inscriptions on the arch, facing in opposite directions, naming both Theseus and Hadrian as founders of Athens. The arch is located 325m southeast of the Acropolis.