A special exhibition focusing on the openly gay Roman Emperor Hadrian is taking place at the British Museum in London between 24 July and 26 October.  Hadrian: Empire and Conflict, is being held in the museum's Reading Room, with a £12 entrance fee.

The Roman Emperor, Hadrian

As well as his passion for Greek culture and interest in architecture, Hadrian was well known for his love for Antinuous, a young Greek male.  Antinuous accompanied Hadrian on his travels throughout the Roman empire, until his mysterious death in AD 130.  Consumed by his grief at the loss of his lover, Hadrian founded a new city, Antinoupolis, close to the spot where he died, and had Antinous declared a god, linked to the Egyptian deity Osiris.  As a result of this, a cult of Antinuous-Osiris sprang up, and a number of statues, busts and silverware featuring the image of the newly deified youth were produced.

The exhibit will feature the many contrasting sides of Hadrian, and should not be missed.  Thorsten Opper, curator of the exhibition said, "This will be a unique opportunity to see important objects related to Hadrian in one exhibition.  Hadrian was an extremely successful emperor who left an immense and enduring legacy, but one that is often not recognised or appreciated.  This exhibition will allow for a reassessment of his character, his live, love and legacy."

More information on the exhibit can be found here.

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Article by Eleni Henderson