Hadrian's Library
ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ The Library of Hadrian was a large library in ancient Athens. It was named so because it was founded by the Roman emperor Hadrian. The library was also called the University of Athens. The ancient writer Pausanias, while visiting Athens, briefly describes the Library as one of the most important buildings of Hadrian in the city: [Hadrian constructed more buildings in Athens, like the temple of Hera and Zeus Panhellenios, the common sanctuary of all the gods (Pantheon), but of great importance is the one with the one hundred columns made of phrygian stone (the library). In the same material the stoas and the walls are made.] Part of the library was a large inner courtyard measuring 100 × 70 meters, surrounded by an impressive peristyle. The main building of the library had two rooms, where visitors read, or attended lectures. The library hall was probably three-storeyed, but the third floor has not been preserved. The walls are thought to have been equipped with shelves with a ...