Ep 4. Hadrian: Within These Walls

I, Caesar: The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire season 1 episode 4 is titled Hadrian: Within These Walls. This episode delves into the reign of Emperor Hadrian, who oversaw the construction of some of the most iconic structures in Ancient Rome. Hadrian's rule is explored through the lens of his architectural legacy, with a particular focus on his wall-building projects.

The episode begins with a look at the state of the Roman Empire under Hadrian's predecessor Trajan. The military conquests of Trajan, while initially successful, had left Rome overextended and vulnerable to attack. Hadrian, upon ascending to the throne in 117 AD, immediately recalled troops and shifted the focus of Roman power towards consolidation and defense.

As part of his strategy, Hadrian initiated a massive building campaign. The episode explores several of his most notable projects, beginning with his expansion of the Pantheon. The engineering and design behind the Pantheon's iconic dome are examined, as is the role the structure played in Roman religious life.

Next, the episode turns to Hadrian's most famous building project: Hadrian's Wall. Stretching 73 miles across Northern England, the wall took years to construct and required incredible feats of engineering. The episode looks at the purpose of the wall, which was not just a physical barrier but also a psychological one, and how it came to represent Roman power and control.

The episode also explores Hadrian's lesser-known wall-building efforts, including the Antonine Wall in Scotland and the Walls of Rome itself. These walls served to defend the empire against invasion, while also allowing for greater control over commerce and immigration.

Throughout the episode, the influence of Greek culture on Roman architecture is emphasized. Hadrian, who was himself a lover of Greek culture, brought this influence to bear on his building projects. The episode explores how this cultural mix influenced not just architecture, but also art, literature, and philosophy during the Roman Empire's golden age.

Finally, the episode looks at the legacy of Hadrian's reign. While his wall-building projects were impressive, their impact on the Roman Empire was not always positive. The resources and manpower devoted to these projects came at the expense of other priorities, such as the welfare of citizens and the military's readiness for combat. Ultimately, however, the focus on consolidation and defense during Hadrian's reign allowed the Roman Empire to endure for several more centuries.

Hadrian's impact on Ancient Rome was vast and enduring. This episode takes a close look at his building projects, emphasizing not just their architectural significance but also the political and cultural contexts in which they were created.