Mausoleum of Hadrian

Mausoleum of Hadrian

In 123 AD, construction began on what would become one of the most enduring and transformative structures in Rome’s 2,766 year history. Majestically rising out of the west bank of the Tiber River, Castel St. Angelo is presently a major tourist attraction. However, the structure viewed through the camera lenses of tourists today is a far cry from the original – in both appearance and purpose.

Before analyzing the origins of the structure itself, it is critical to briefly examine the history of its commissioner, Hadrian. Perhaps known best for his building of Hadrian’s Wall, Hadrian’s extensive constructive and restorative accomplishments are often overlooked. During his reign, spanning two decades from August 117 AD to July 138 AD, Emperor Hadrian became a “deep lover of Greek architecture.” His extensive travels across the empire came to summarize much of his reign as Hadrian turned his attention away from Roman expansion and towards restoration and construction. Hadrian “built great public buildings throughout the empire” as well as massive fortifications such as Hadrian’s wall; a structure stretching 80 miles across the Scottish lowlands, separating the Barbarians from the Roman Empire. By way of cultural construction, Hadrian built libraries, aqueducts, baths and theatres. Closer to home, he built Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli, reconstructed Marcus Agrippa’s Pantheon and, of course, commissioned the Mausoleum of Hadrian.

As a lover of Greek architecture, Hadrian became fascinated with “tholos,” the Mycenean architectural style of superimposing successively smaller rings of stones to create a dome. Hadrian’s preoccupation with this style is well documented thanks to quoted criticism from the famous Trajan Forum architect Apollodorus’ when he told Hadrian to "Go away and draw your pumpkins. You know nothing about these architectural problems." Indeed, when Hadrian became emperor, he imposed his “pumpkins” on almost everything he touched...