The Arch of Hadrian

The Arch of Hadrian is a site that was constructed by a Roman Emperor who ruled during 117 CE- 138 CE. The arch was bult in 132 AD. Though the emperor was Roman he had an affinity for Greek culture. Instead of worshipping the Roman deities, he preferred the Greek Gods. Hadrian also loved architecture and throughout his visits across the Roman empire which led to his time during his reign mostly away from Rome, he would build massive monuments including walls, temples, and the Pantheon. His favorite place to spend his trips however was in Greece, and this led to a massive cultural diffusion between the Greeks and the Romans after years of war.  

Hadrian was actually considered a Greek citizen 2 decades before the Arch was built. The Greek people wanted to dedicate it to him as a citizen and not the Roman emperor. This relationship between the Emperor and the Greeks was not loved by the Roman senate or the people, but after they tried to take Hadrian's throne and failed. The Roman people learned to adapt to the culture, and add some of it to their own history to intertwine the nations. 
 
The Arch was built as a welcoming to Hadrian to the city due to his many benefactions to the city. He commissioned the Temple of Zeus which is directly to the east of the Arch. The Arch is a 5-10 minute walk to the Acropolis, and a 15 minute walk to the Roman Agora. It's a great monument to visit because it symbolizes the hospitality of the Greek culture. They honored a Roman emperor, and it led to the unification and peace of Rome. 
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