OCTAVIAN’S AND HADRIAN’S ATHENS: GREEK CITY AND ROMAN EMPERORS
OCTAVIAN’S AND HADRIAN’S ATHENS: GREEK CITY AND ROMAN EMPERORS

Summary/Abstract: Octavian Augustus and Hadrian were the two Roman emperors greatly interested in Athens. Octavian had a complex relationship with the Athenians, but he valued the city because of its ancient culture and religion. For him, Athens was a prime stage to showcase his eastern policy. There, he appropriated both Alexander the Great and the Athenian struggle against Persia, to present his deal with the Parthian emperor as his victory. Hadrian, on the other hand, was the greatest benefactor of Athens. Under his rule, Athens was immensely embellished and became the centre of Panhellenion, a league of Greek cities. Hadrian also saw a use for Athens. After Trajan’s conquests, he needed to stabilise the Empire. Therefore, he made Athens the cultural capital and the second city of the Empire. Greek culture, with Athens as its centre, was to be a cement for the Empire.

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