Global Treasures: Villa Adriana

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1183

UPC: 879061007828

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Around 30 kilometers east of Rome, on a low plateau beneath the Tiburtine Mountains, lie the ruins of Villa Adriana, once the residence of Roman emperor Hadrian, who had the stately residence built in the 2nd century AD as a fine and luxurious country estate. Indeed, it is believed that the emperor himself participated in the planning of its construction and in each detailed aspect of the villa's design.

The Canopus is one of the most impressive areas of the Villa. The lengthy canal was developed between 125 and 133 AD. Six Caryatids adorn the western side of the elegant row of columns that surround the Canopus water basin, creating a wonderfully picturesque setting.

The thermal springs were built during the first construction stage of the Villa Adriana and are the oldest within the complex. Public baths were extremely important in the daily life of the Romans, thus it is not surprising that the villa possessed three thermal springs.

In the 16th century, archaeologists began to search for the emperor's lost residence, but following its discovery, many came only to plunder its treasures. In spite of this, the unique splendor of the Roman Villa Adriana has thankfully been well preserved right up to the present day.