1 00:00:03,801 --> 00:00:05,479 NARRATOR: Hadrian's Villa, 2 00:00:05,481 --> 00:00:08,319 an ancient luxury mansion like no other. 3 00:00:10,641 --> 00:00:13,159 Built by the Emperor Hadrian, 4 00:00:13,234 --> 00:00:16,359 it's the largest Roman villa in the world. 5 00:00:16,394 --> 00:00:18,199 It seems to go on forever. 6 00:00:19,801 --> 00:00:22,399 NARRATOR: The emperor's ambitious mega structures 7 00:00:22,474 --> 00:00:26,159 showcase Roman engineering and ingenuity at their peak 8 00:00:27,201 --> 00:00:29,479 and contain clues that could reveal 9 00:00:29,554 --> 00:00:33,399 the truth about one of Rome's most enigmatic rulers. 10 00:00:33,441 --> 00:00:37,079 He was not just an inhabitant of this place, 11 00:00:37,121 --> 00:00:39,999 but he was a creator of this place. 12 00:00:40,961 --> 00:00:43,039 NARRATOR: But what drives Hadrian to build 13 00:00:43,041 --> 00:00:47,039 an opulent mega mansion, then spend years on the road? 14 00:00:48,601 --> 00:00:50,639 Perhaps the clues lie in the ruins 15 00:00:50,714 --> 00:00:52,839 of this sprawling villa. 16 00:00:52,841 --> 00:00:57,239 Villa Hadrian is a window on the person of Hadrian himself. 17 00:00:57,321 --> 00:01:00,399 NARRATOR: Now, investigators have special access 18 00:01:00,474 --> 00:01:04,159 to hidden spaces to use laser scanning technology, 19 00:01:04,234 --> 00:01:07,279 pioneering restoration techniques, 20 00:01:07,354 --> 00:01:11,079 and 3D modeling to shed new light on Hadrian's 21 00:01:11,154 --> 00:01:14,399 remarkable reign and bring this extraordinary site 22 00:01:14,474 --> 00:01:16,119 back to life. 23 00:01:16,121 --> 00:01:19,839 We digitally reconstruct its epic splendor. 24 00:01:19,914 --> 00:01:22,839 We dive down to reveal hidden tunnels, 25 00:01:23,801 --> 00:01:26,719 and we rebuild the architectural wonders 26 00:01:26,794 --> 00:01:28,439 that reveal the secrets 27 00:01:28,481 --> 00:01:30,559 of one of Rome's greatest emperors. 28 00:01:38,401 --> 00:01:40,359 Rome. 29 00:01:40,434 --> 00:01:42,479 The capital of one of history's 30 00:01:42,554 --> 00:01:44,199 mightiest civilizations, 31 00:01:44,274 --> 00:01:46,519 it lasts for 1,000 years. 32 00:01:48,801 --> 00:01:51,359 One of its mightiest emperors is Hadrian. 33 00:01:53,801 --> 00:01:57,159 Hadrian takes the throne in 117 CE, 34 00:01:57,234 --> 00:02:00,719 When the Roman world is at its biggest and its richest. 35 00:02:02,321 --> 00:02:05,359 He builds the glorious Pantheon in the center of Rome 36 00:02:07,281 --> 00:02:11,039 and Hadrian's wall that stretches 73 miles 37 00:02:11,074 --> 00:02:13,039 coast-to-coast across Britain. 38 00:02:15,001 --> 00:02:17,079 One of his greatest achievements is 39 00:02:17,121 --> 00:02:19,239 the construction of this grand villa, 40 00:02:19,274 --> 00:02:22,959 20 miles east of Rome in the Sabine Hills. 41 00:02:25,481 --> 00:02:28,279 It stretches for more than 200 acres 42 00:02:28,321 --> 00:02:31,399 and is made up of more than 30 separate buildings. 43 00:02:33,921 --> 00:02:36,439 It is the largest Roman villa ever built. 44 00:02:38,721 --> 00:02:40,799 This villa is huge, maybe 45 00:02:40,801 --> 00:02:43,439 the most beautiful place in the world. 46 00:02:44,281 --> 00:02:45,919 NARRATOR: Hadrian's workers spend more than 47 00:02:45,921 --> 00:02:48,519 10 years building this mega structure. 48 00:02:50,521 --> 00:02:55,159 It brims with tranquil pools, countless statues 49 00:02:55,161 --> 00:02:58,559 and luxury spaces for every occasion. 50 00:02:58,634 --> 00:03:03,479 It's an idyllic and luxurious pleasure palace, with gardens, 51 00:03:03,521 --> 00:03:08,439 bath houses, temples, libraries, and theaters. 52 00:03:09,361 --> 00:03:11,959 An opulent country retreat 53 00:03:12,001 --> 00:03:14,399 10 times bigger than the White House. 54 00:03:17,121 --> 00:03:18,919 What can this place tell us about 55 00:03:18,994 --> 00:03:22,399 one of Rome's most enigmatic and powerful leaders? 56 00:03:29,321 --> 00:03:33,119 Sergio del Ferro manages this sprawling Roman supervilla. 57 00:03:34,721 --> 00:03:36,305 SERGIO: As an archaeologist, 58 00:03:36,381 --> 00:03:39,799 I think it's fantastic to work here, just because every year, 59 00:03:39,801 --> 00:03:43,359 we have excavations, and so there's always something 60 00:03:43,434 --> 00:03:45,039 more to be discovered. 61 00:03:46,441 --> 00:03:49,359 NARRATOR: This mega mansion is so huge that 62 00:03:49,361 --> 00:03:52,559 half its total area is still unexcavated. 63 00:03:54,481 --> 00:03:56,079 Sergio wants to find out what 64 00:03:56,154 --> 00:03:58,799 drives Hadrian to build on such scale. 65 00:04:00,081 --> 00:04:03,799 His mission begins at one of the grandest spaces, 66 00:04:03,841 --> 00:04:05,399 the Golden Square. 67 00:04:06,281 --> 00:04:09,879 It is not a name given by the Emperor Hadrian. 68 00:04:09,921 --> 00:04:13,919 It's because of the many treasures that have been found 69 00:04:13,954 --> 00:04:17,599 there during the excavations in the centuries. 70 00:04:17,674 --> 00:04:20,319 NARRATOR: Sergio's work here aims to bring this huge 71 00:04:20,321 --> 00:04:24,079 space back to life to reveal its purpose. 72 00:04:24,154 --> 00:04:28,679 This enormous 150-by-200-foot open space is 73 00:04:28,754 --> 00:04:31,719 once surrounded by grand columns and filled with 74 00:04:31,794 --> 00:04:33,319 luxurious gardens. 75 00:04:34,401 --> 00:04:36,719 SERGIO: All the way around the square, 76 00:04:36,721 --> 00:04:40,879 there was the gardens you see on the left and on the right of 77 00:04:40,881 --> 00:04:43,119 this shallow pool. 78 00:04:43,194 --> 00:04:47,599 NARRATOR: Now, the purpose of this huge space becomes clearer. 79 00:04:47,674 --> 00:04:50,799 With gardens and water and columns 80 00:04:50,801 --> 00:04:54,359 of luxury marble reflecting on the water, 81 00:04:54,401 --> 00:04:59,399 such a wonderful place would be more common in Rome. 82 00:04:59,474 --> 00:05:00,999 This is useful to understand 83 00:05:01,001 --> 00:05:03,159 the real scale of the entire villa. 84 00:05:04,961 --> 00:05:08,719 NARRATOR: Sergio believes the comparison to Rome is key 85 00:05:08,794 --> 00:05:10,839 and that the Golden Square is Hadrian's 86 00:05:10,841 --> 00:05:13,839 answer to its public gardens and piazzas. 87 00:05:15,401 --> 00:05:19,719 This is a forum, but it's not a public square as 88 00:05:19,721 --> 00:05:23,679 you can find in Rome and another cities of the empire. 89 00:05:23,681 --> 00:05:27,679 It is a giant square, but for private use. 90 00:05:27,714 --> 00:05:29,679 Just a place to hang out for 91 00:05:29,754 --> 00:05:32,799 the emperor and his court and his guests. 92 00:05:33,641 --> 00:05:36,079 NARRATOR: Hadrian wants his villa to compete with 93 00:05:36,081 --> 00:05:39,759 Rome itself, and he isn't compromising on scale. 94 00:05:41,361 --> 00:05:45,199 SERGIO: Hadrian wanted to build up in the countryside here 95 00:05:45,201 --> 00:05:48,719 something that could equal the level of 96 00:05:48,794 --> 00:05:52,919 richness and power as the monuments of Rome. 97 00:05:53,881 --> 00:05:56,719 NARRATOR: This is to be Hadrian's power base, 98 00:05:56,794 --> 00:06:00,799 at arm's length from Rome and his rivals. 99 00:06:04,801 --> 00:06:08,039 Hadrian is 10 years old when his parents die. 100 00:06:09,001 --> 00:06:12,919 His cousin, the Emperor Trajan, becomes his guardian. 101 00:06:16,441 --> 00:06:20,279 31 years later, in 117 CE, 102 00:06:20,321 --> 00:06:23,279 Trajan lies dying -- according to his wife, 103 00:06:23,281 --> 00:06:26,159 he nominates Hadrian as his successor. 104 00:06:27,641 --> 00:06:31,719 When influential figures in Rome voice their opposition, 105 00:06:31,794 --> 00:06:34,599 Hadrian's right-hand man, Attianus, 106 00:06:34,674 --> 00:06:36,599 arrests and assassinates them. 107 00:06:38,641 --> 00:06:42,079 Hadrian fears the Senate and Rome's revenge 108 00:06:42,081 --> 00:06:45,719 and builds a Rome of his own at a safe distance. 109 00:06:50,361 --> 00:06:54,039 Sergio investigates what Hadrian uses this villa for. 110 00:06:55,401 --> 00:06:57,319 SERGIO: This is the winter palace. 111 00:06:57,321 --> 00:07:00,799 You have to imagine, because now we see only ruins, 112 00:07:00,874 --> 00:07:03,879 but it's such a huge building, 113 00:07:03,954 --> 00:07:06,959 and it's very, very rich in its decoration. 114 00:07:07,034 --> 00:07:09,959 NARRATOR: Hadrian builds this grand structure as 115 00:07:10,081 --> 00:07:13,439 a display of power to impress illustrious guests. 116 00:07:13,514 --> 00:07:18,399 From here, Hadrian could look out over his property. 117 00:07:18,401 --> 00:07:20,519 It seems to go on forever. 118 00:07:22,361 --> 00:07:24,959 NARRATOR: Hadrian creates a miniature Rome out in 119 00:07:25,034 --> 00:07:28,959 the countryside and makes Rome's elite come to him. 120 00:07:31,241 --> 00:07:32,479 Hundreds of officials 121 00:07:32,554 --> 00:07:36,159 and dignitaries fill these stately buildings, 122 00:07:36,161 --> 00:07:39,079 but one unusual structure stands out -- 123 00:07:39,081 --> 00:07:42,519 not a grand palace nor a place of work. 124 00:07:48,001 --> 00:07:51,799 In the heart of the villa is a strange island complex. 125 00:07:53,481 --> 00:07:55,559 A colonnaded enclosure paved in 126 00:07:55,561 --> 00:07:58,519 white mosaic runs around the perimeter, 127 00:08:00,321 --> 00:08:04,679 and a marble-lined moat 15 feet wide surrounds the island, 128 00:08:04,681 --> 00:08:07,799 crossed only by two pivoting wooden bridges. 129 00:08:12,161 --> 00:08:15,599 The walls inside are not the usual straight lines of 130 00:08:15,634 --> 00:08:17,032 Roman architecture, 131 00:08:17,107 --> 00:08:20,799 but a mixture of curved walls that create many irregular 132 00:08:20,874 --> 00:08:22,759 rooms and alcoves. 133 00:08:30,521 --> 00:08:33,279 Little remains of the original structures, 134 00:08:33,354 --> 00:08:35,999 but Sergio searches the island for evidence 135 00:08:36,001 --> 00:08:37,559 of its true purpose. 136 00:08:57,121 --> 00:09:00,679 NARRATOR: Opus Sectile is a style of patterned flooring. 137 00:09:00,754 --> 00:09:02,799 Craftsmen use perfectly cut 138 00:09:02,801 --> 00:09:06,319 tiles of expensive colored marble sourced from all corners 139 00:09:06,321 --> 00:09:07,719 of the Roman Empire. 140 00:09:18,121 --> 00:09:20,119 NARRATOR: Its use here reveals that this 141 00:09:20,121 --> 00:09:23,679 is a space intended for Hadrian himself. 142 00:09:23,754 --> 00:09:26,399 Sergio hunts for clues to its purpose. 143 00:09:49,081 --> 00:09:51,399 NARRATOR: As Sergio explores more of the island, 144 00:09:51,474 --> 00:09:54,319 its design becomes clear. 145 00:10:05,361 --> 00:10:07,239 NARRATOR: Hadrian has a completely 146 00:10:07,241 --> 00:10:10,359 self-contained apartment on this island, 147 00:10:10,401 --> 00:10:12,959 luxuriously appointed with precious marble, 148 00:10:13,034 --> 00:10:15,679 but in scale, far more humble than any other 149 00:10:15,754 --> 00:10:17,119 imperial residence. 150 00:10:18,841 --> 00:10:21,959 This private home within a home isolates 151 00:10:22,034 --> 00:10:24,879 him from the rest of his palatial villa 152 00:10:24,881 --> 00:10:27,199 and reveals a startling insight 153 00:10:27,274 --> 00:10:28,959 into the emperor's character. 154 00:10:45,001 --> 00:10:47,359 NARRATOR: The moat and these high walls 155 00:10:47,434 --> 00:10:49,279 surround this private retreat 156 00:10:49,354 --> 00:10:51,999 and offer seclusion from the constant demands 157 00:10:52,001 --> 00:10:53,359 of running an empire 158 00:10:54,481 --> 00:10:59,319 and protection against any enemies, real or imagined. 159 00:11:03,281 --> 00:11:05,039 What else can the villa reveal 160 00:11:05,041 --> 00:11:07,559 about Hadrian and his true character? 161 00:11:08,961 --> 00:11:11,639 How can the emperor indulge his ego 162 00:11:11,721 --> 00:11:13,839 and impress his guests here? 163 00:11:27,761 --> 00:11:30,599 NARRATOR: Hadrian's 200-acre mega palace, 164 00:11:31,721 --> 00:11:33,839 his own personal Rome. 165 00:11:33,914 --> 00:11:35,679 It is full of hidden clues 166 00:11:35,681 --> 00:11:38,319 to the character of the enigmatic emperor. 167 00:11:39,241 --> 00:11:41,599 This intensely private man needs 168 00:11:41,674 --> 00:11:44,599 to host important politicians and dignitaries, 169 00:11:45,521 --> 00:11:49,519 and Hadrian has a stunning showpiece to wow his guests. 170 00:11:55,561 --> 00:12:00,119 The villa's main attraction is the breathtaking serapeum, 171 00:12:01,161 --> 00:12:04,399 a 60-foot-high dining space, 172 00:12:04,474 --> 00:12:06,559 with richly decorated walls brought to 173 00:12:06,561 --> 00:12:09,319 life by rows of cascading waters. 174 00:12:10,281 --> 00:12:13,919 Its ceiling is lined with the tiles of blue glass 175 00:12:13,921 --> 00:12:17,159 and studded with stones to resemble the glittering sky. 176 00:12:20,201 --> 00:12:21,679 And the crowning glory -- 177 00:12:21,681 --> 00:12:24,319 Hadrian has a private area 178 00:12:24,394 --> 00:12:27,639 where he can hide with a controllable curtain of water. 179 00:12:29,881 --> 00:12:31,519 Why does the emperor want to 180 00:12:31,594 --> 00:12:34,519 cut himself off from his esteemed guests? 181 00:12:34,561 --> 00:12:36,919 There are water features everywhere in this villa, 182 00:12:36,961 --> 00:12:39,959 but this one is a prime example -- in Italian, 183 00:12:40,001 --> 00:12:42,359 we say it's the cherry on the cake. 184 00:12:45,121 --> 00:12:48,479 NARRATOR: Sergio passes through a small door to 185 00:12:48,554 --> 00:12:51,679 examine the wings of the emperor's private space. 186 00:12:51,681 --> 00:12:55,319 It feels like I'm in a backstage before a show. 187 00:12:58,001 --> 00:13:00,959 NARRATOR: The elevated stage allows Sergio to look down 188 00:13:01,034 --> 00:13:02,559 on the main dining room 189 00:13:02,634 --> 00:13:05,559 and strengthens his suspicion that this design is 190 00:13:05,601 --> 00:13:08,599 all about showmanship. 191 00:13:08,634 --> 00:13:12,119 He believes the waterfall curtain is key. 192 00:13:13,001 --> 00:13:16,439 I think that Hadrian used this waterfall, 193 00:13:16,481 --> 00:13:18,439 this little artificial waterfall, 194 00:13:18,514 --> 00:13:20,159 as a real curtain of a theater. 195 00:13:20,234 --> 00:13:24,599 So while he was getting to the position and wasn't ready, 196 00:13:24,601 --> 00:13:27,999 the curtain goes down, and when he finally 197 00:13:28,074 --> 00:13:31,399 was ready to be seen, the curtain goes up. 198 00:13:33,001 --> 00:13:36,079 NARRATOR: This extravagant feature is all designed 199 00:13:36,154 --> 00:13:37,599 to impress his guests. 200 00:13:38,641 --> 00:13:41,879 Sergio investigates how Hadrian does it. 201 00:13:41,881 --> 00:13:45,679 He believes the answer could lie behind the serapeum. 202 00:13:47,001 --> 00:13:48,879 Tucked away at the back are 203 00:13:48,954 --> 00:13:52,199 the inner workings of Hadrian's magic trick. 204 00:13:52,201 --> 00:13:55,279 That's where the water came from. 205 00:13:55,281 --> 00:13:59,919 And it was collected into this shallow little pool, 206 00:13:59,921 --> 00:14:04,959 and then it was collected by these double little aqueducts. 207 00:14:06,441 --> 00:14:08,839 NARRATOR: Gray stone blocks hold grooves for 208 00:14:08,841 --> 00:14:11,559 panels that can be raised or lowered. 209 00:14:11,634 --> 00:14:14,119 Hadrian just needs to wave his hand, 210 00:14:14,121 --> 00:14:18,479 and a servant can stop and start his wondrous waterfall. 211 00:14:18,481 --> 00:14:21,639 When the gates were lifted up, the water could reach 212 00:14:21,641 --> 00:14:24,279 the waterfall, and when the gates were closed, 213 00:14:24,321 --> 00:14:26,519 the waterfall was switched off. 214 00:14:27,761 --> 00:14:30,599 NARRATOR: This clever act of stagecraft relies on 215 00:14:30,674 --> 00:14:33,519 a steady and continuous supply of water. 216 00:14:35,961 --> 00:14:38,439 Danilo Ceirani heads a team from 217 00:14:38,514 --> 00:14:42,159 Sotterranei di Roma, an organization committed 218 00:14:42,234 --> 00:14:45,199 to mapping all the ancient underground spaces 219 00:14:45,274 --> 00:14:47,799 around the Rome region. 220 00:14:47,841 --> 00:14:49,719 They're on a mission to investigate where 221 00:14:49,721 --> 00:14:52,359 this huge villa gets all its water from. 222 00:15:03,881 --> 00:15:05,919 NARRATOR: They head underground to explore 223 00:15:05,994 --> 00:15:08,559 the water supply to the great baths. 224 00:15:19,001 --> 00:15:22,799 NARRATOR: The team's first job is to ensure the tunnel is safe. 225 00:15:22,801 --> 00:15:26,479 One-third of the underground spaces are yet to be mapped, 226 00:15:26,554 --> 00:15:28,279 and they can't risk damaging 227 00:15:28,281 --> 00:15:30,799 any fragile structures or entering 228 00:15:30,874 --> 00:15:33,119 a channel too small for them. 229 00:15:42,601 --> 00:15:46,559 NARRATOR: Danilo gives the okay, and one-by-one, they climb in. 230 00:15:49,201 --> 00:15:51,519 The team reaches a narrow point in the tunnel. 231 00:15:51,594 --> 00:15:54,079 When they squeeze through, 232 00:15:54,154 --> 00:15:56,919 they find signs this next section stores 233 00:15:56,961 --> 00:15:58,599 a huge amount of water. 234 00:16:17,441 --> 00:16:19,199 NARRATOR: The team explores further 235 00:16:19,201 --> 00:16:21,319 and discovers a system of branching 236 00:16:21,321 --> 00:16:24,239 water tunnels that continues until it reaches 237 00:16:24,241 --> 00:16:26,319 a main supply channel, 238 00:16:26,394 --> 00:16:28,959 and they find where this water comes from. 239 00:16:46,881 --> 00:16:48,079 NARRATOR: The water supplying 240 00:16:48,154 --> 00:16:51,079 these baths comes from a giant waterway, 241 00:16:51,154 --> 00:16:54,959 or aqueduct, that is intended to supply Rome. 242 00:16:58,521 --> 00:17:01,719 Sergio investigates how the ancient engineers pump 243 00:17:01,761 --> 00:17:03,519 the water around the vast 244 00:17:03,594 --> 00:17:05,559 site to make Hadrian's incredible 245 00:17:05,601 --> 00:17:08,319 water-filled villa a reality. 246 00:17:08,394 --> 00:17:10,279 He finds that the entire villa 247 00:17:10,354 --> 00:17:12,519 is designed for water distribution. 248 00:17:13,681 --> 00:17:16,639 Here, behind the serapeum, there's a bigger clue. 249 00:17:16,714 --> 00:17:20,599 Just look at the ground -- here, we are at a ground level, 250 00:17:20,641 --> 00:17:22,679 and there, we have roof level, 251 00:17:22,681 --> 00:17:25,319 so the water flows with gravity. 252 00:17:25,321 --> 00:17:27,159 There's no need for pumping. 253 00:17:28,361 --> 00:17:30,719 NARRATOR: From south to north, the entire 254 00:17:30,754 --> 00:17:33,799 villa is built on a gentle gradient. 255 00:17:33,874 --> 00:17:37,079 SERGIO: But the water follows the natural slope of the land. 256 00:17:37,121 --> 00:17:39,919 It is very, very simple, but very efficient. 257 00:17:41,121 --> 00:17:43,479 NARRATOR: All Hadrian's engineers have to do 258 00:17:43,521 --> 00:17:45,679 to realize his grand plan 259 00:17:45,754 --> 00:17:47,999 is connect one end of the villa to the giant 260 00:17:48,074 --> 00:17:49,359 aqueduct network. 261 00:17:53,641 --> 00:17:55,559 The water carried by the aqueducts 262 00:17:55,561 --> 00:17:58,679 is the lifeblood of Roman civic life, 263 00:17:58,681 --> 00:18:02,119 but nothing is off bounds for the all-powerful emperor. 264 00:18:03,161 --> 00:18:04,959 The stretch of land under the villa is 265 00:18:05,034 --> 00:18:08,319 200 feet higher in the south than the north. 266 00:18:08,321 --> 00:18:11,159 Hadrian's workers smooth the terrain to create 267 00:18:11,201 --> 00:18:13,559 a gentle gradient across the whole area. 268 00:18:14,921 --> 00:18:17,279 The water, powered simply by gravity, 269 00:18:17,354 --> 00:18:19,719 reaches every part of the site 270 00:18:19,721 --> 00:18:20,999 to create a villa filled 271 00:18:21,001 --> 00:18:23,999 with constantly running fountains and pools. 272 00:18:26,481 --> 00:18:29,359 Hadrian creates this water-cooled engineering 273 00:18:29,361 --> 00:18:32,919 masterpiece as a display of imperial might, to show 274 00:18:32,961 --> 00:18:35,719 there is nothing beyond his power, 275 00:18:35,721 --> 00:18:37,399 but there are other hidden spaces 276 00:18:37,441 --> 00:18:39,599 that don't serve the water systems. 277 00:18:40,401 --> 00:18:42,959 Why has Hadrian hidden miles of 278 00:18:43,034 --> 00:18:46,679 paved underground passageways in his luxury villa? 279 00:18:56,641 --> 00:18:59,559 NARRATOR: Hadrian's villa -- investigations here are 280 00:18:59,561 --> 00:19:02,799 revealing hidden insights into the emperor, 281 00:19:02,874 --> 00:19:05,919 and an incredible secret subterranean world 282 00:19:05,994 --> 00:19:08,359 is slowly giving up his secrets, too. 283 00:19:13,561 --> 00:19:16,119 Beneath the bathhouses, domes, 284 00:19:16,161 --> 00:19:18,079 and luxury entertaining spaces, 285 00:19:18,154 --> 00:19:21,999 archaeologists discover two miles of unseen tunnels 286 00:19:22,074 --> 00:19:23,479 and passageways. 287 00:19:23,481 --> 00:19:26,919 Some are narrow and only semi-submerged 288 00:19:26,921 --> 00:19:30,039 and paved and plastered with fine materials. 289 00:19:33,721 --> 00:19:36,119 But others run deeper, 290 00:19:36,161 --> 00:19:39,719 with huge, rough walls up to 16 feet wide 291 00:19:40,801 --> 00:19:42,959 and strange markings on the ground. 292 00:19:44,201 --> 00:19:47,719 What is the purpose of these subterranean passageways? 293 00:19:53,041 --> 00:19:54,759 [speaking foreign language] 294 00:19:54,761 --> 00:19:57,239 NARRATOR: In the northwest section of the site, 295 00:19:57,281 --> 00:19:59,559 Danilo Ceirani and his team gear up 296 00:19:59,634 --> 00:20:02,399 to explore one of the roughly-hewn tunnels. 297 00:20:08,201 --> 00:20:10,359 NARRATOR: One that begins on the outskirts of 298 00:20:10,394 --> 00:20:13,919 the villa and disappears into the heart of the complex. 299 00:20:16,801 --> 00:20:19,079 NARRATOR: They're attempting to create a digital map 300 00:20:19,154 --> 00:20:21,159 of all the underground spaces 301 00:20:21,234 --> 00:20:24,319 to find out what exactly each tunnel is used for. 302 00:20:32,561 --> 00:20:34,959 NARRATOR: They use a state-of-the-art laser scanner 303 00:20:35,034 --> 00:20:39,719 to survey one stretch at a time in incredible 3D detail. 304 00:21:01,321 --> 00:21:03,799 NARRATOR: The team makes its way into the tunnel. 305 00:21:12,921 --> 00:21:15,959 NARRATOR: They were once clearly lit by torchlight, 306 00:21:16,001 --> 00:21:19,879 and the team spots another clue on the paving stones. 307 00:21:25,521 --> 00:21:27,839 NARRATOR: A rut worn into the stone pavement 308 00:21:27,841 --> 00:21:31,039 shows the repeated passage of wheels. 309 00:21:31,041 --> 00:21:33,279 There aren't just people using these tunnels, 310 00:21:33,281 --> 00:21:35,239 but vehicles, too. 311 00:21:39,561 --> 00:21:43,119 Look here, can you see? Okay? 312 00:21:46,121 --> 00:21:49,079 NARRATOR: The size and depth of the groove reveals that 313 00:21:49,121 --> 00:21:51,839 horse-drawn carts travel through these tunnels 314 00:21:51,841 --> 00:21:53,199 countless times. 315 00:22:12,001 --> 00:22:13,719 NARRATOR: Danilo thinks the torchlight 316 00:22:13,761 --> 00:22:16,879 and the cart tracks, together with the tunnel's location 317 00:22:16,954 --> 00:22:20,719 and the rough finish of its interior all add up to reveal 318 00:22:20,794 --> 00:22:22,319 its original use. 319 00:22:40,721 --> 00:22:43,239 NARRATOR: Hadrian demands that all the vital services 320 00:22:43,314 --> 00:22:46,279 of his luxury home are hidden from view. 321 00:22:46,354 --> 00:22:47,879 His servants keep the villa 322 00:22:47,954 --> 00:22:51,199 running using this huge underground labyrinth, 323 00:22:51,274 --> 00:22:53,319 but when their day's work ends, 324 00:22:53,394 --> 00:22:55,399 they need to remain out of sight. 325 00:22:59,001 --> 00:23:02,399 Archaeologist Benedetta Adembri investigates 326 00:23:02,434 --> 00:23:04,079 where all these servants live 327 00:23:04,154 --> 00:23:08,359 and how the reclusive emperor avoids contact with them. 328 00:23:09,241 --> 00:23:15,679 At the entrance, we see the remains of a big arch, 329 00:23:15,754 --> 00:23:19,799 but there is also a second road here. 330 00:23:19,801 --> 00:23:22,439 NARRATOR: Sandwiched between the grand approach road 331 00:23:22,441 --> 00:23:23,799 and the villa itself 332 00:23:23,801 --> 00:23:26,399 is a wider road, sunk into the ground. 333 00:23:27,241 --> 00:23:30,959 Facing onto it are the doors and windows of dozens upon 334 00:23:31,041 --> 00:23:32,432 dozens of tiny rooms, 335 00:23:32,507 --> 00:23:35,999 all built into the enormous earthworks that support 336 00:23:36,074 --> 00:23:38,999 the giant reflecting pool and gardens above. 337 00:23:41,201 --> 00:23:44,999 Every room was separated from each other, 338 00:23:45,074 --> 00:23:48,039 but we think that they had bunk beds 339 00:23:48,114 --> 00:23:52,079 in each room, and also a common toilet. 340 00:23:52,154 --> 00:23:54,159 NARRATOR: Crammed side-by-side, 341 00:23:54,234 --> 00:23:55,639 they're a world away from 342 00:23:55,641 --> 00:23:58,239 the luxury chambers of Hadrian and his guests. 343 00:23:58,241 --> 00:24:02,119 It's clear to Benedetta who these rooms are for. 344 00:24:03,441 --> 00:24:07,359 They are more than 100 chambers -- many, 345 00:24:07,434 --> 00:24:12,479 many rooms, which we think served as a bedroom 346 00:24:12,554 --> 00:24:14,759 for servants. 347 00:24:16,561 --> 00:24:19,959 NARRATOR: The size of this giant accommodation block reveals 348 00:24:19,961 --> 00:24:22,039 the sheer scale of the operation 349 00:24:22,081 --> 00:24:24,039 required to staff this villa. 350 00:24:25,201 --> 00:24:28,399 We don't know exactly how many people lived there, 351 00:24:28,474 --> 00:24:30,959 but every activity needed 352 00:24:31,034 --> 00:24:34,599 many people -- we think that here in 353 00:24:34,674 --> 00:24:39,999 the villa would work at least some thousand servants. 354 00:24:41,001 --> 00:24:43,759 NARRATOR: The site of over a thousand servants hard at 355 00:24:43,834 --> 00:24:46,959 work will be repulsive to the genteel Hadrian, 356 00:24:48,081 --> 00:24:52,239 but Benedetta discovers how he keeps them out of his sight. 357 00:24:52,314 --> 00:24:55,879 You see the -- this line means that 358 00:24:55,954 --> 00:25:01,079 the wall reached this height in ancient times. 359 00:25:01,161 --> 00:25:04,559 The guests which enter the villa could not 360 00:25:04,561 --> 00:25:09,599 see the servant area because of this wall. 361 00:25:12,761 --> 00:25:15,039 NARRATOR: The accommodation block is the perfect 362 00:25:15,041 --> 00:25:17,719 illustration of a villa of two halves -- 363 00:25:18,681 --> 00:25:22,199 the elite enjoying the tranquility above, 364 00:25:22,201 --> 00:25:24,399 and the servants toiling below. 365 00:25:25,401 --> 00:25:27,759 Storage rooms and stables beneath the servants' 366 00:25:27,834 --> 00:25:28,879 living quarters 367 00:25:28,954 --> 00:25:30,799 house everything needed to host 368 00:25:30,801 --> 00:25:32,519 Hadrian and his guests. 369 00:25:33,961 --> 00:25:37,879 They're flanked by a huge service road that passes into 370 00:25:37,921 --> 00:25:39,959 a tunnel under the grand entrance hall 371 00:25:40,001 --> 00:25:41,719 and completely out of sight. 372 00:25:43,881 --> 00:25:47,599 A high wall hides the service road from arriving guests, 373 00:25:47,674 --> 00:25:49,399 and pools lining the gardens 374 00:25:49,441 --> 00:25:51,879 prevent guests from standing at the edge 375 00:25:51,954 --> 00:25:54,199 and seeing the hustle and bustle below. 376 00:25:57,961 --> 00:26:01,079 Hadrian has a 200-acre mega mansion with 377 00:26:01,121 --> 00:26:04,399 hundreds of servants spread all over the property. 378 00:26:04,474 --> 00:26:06,799 And thanks to this huge network of tunnels, 379 00:26:06,874 --> 00:26:09,519 all their work is hidden from sight. 380 00:26:13,281 --> 00:26:15,919 But what of the villa the guests can see? 381 00:26:17,441 --> 00:26:20,759 How does Hadrian impose his own enigmatic character 382 00:26:20,761 --> 00:26:22,119 and taste? 383 00:26:23,681 --> 00:26:25,839 How does he put his own stamp on it 384 00:26:25,914 --> 00:26:27,719 to make it truly unique? 385 00:26:38,681 --> 00:26:40,799 NARRATOR: On the outskirts of Rome lies 386 00:26:40,874 --> 00:26:43,599 the gargantuan villa of Emperor Hadrian. 387 00:26:46,001 --> 00:26:48,439 Benedetta Adembri searches for clues 388 00:26:48,481 --> 00:26:51,919 to Hadrian's character hidden in the detail. 389 00:26:51,921 --> 00:26:53,839 She examines the best preserved 390 00:26:53,914 --> 00:26:55,399 of his many bathhouses. 391 00:26:57,161 --> 00:27:00,999 We are in the heart of a little bath. 392 00:27:02,401 --> 00:27:06,319 From these doors, you could reach 393 00:27:06,401 --> 00:27:08,519 different parts of the bath. 394 00:27:09,641 --> 00:27:14,359 On that side, you could reach the warm section, 395 00:27:14,361 --> 00:27:17,879 with a sauna -- on the other side, 396 00:27:17,921 --> 00:27:21,399 the cold section, and on the other side, 397 00:27:21,441 --> 00:27:25,399 the space for exercises. 398 00:27:25,441 --> 00:27:27,239 NARRATOR: Benedetta searches the walls for 399 00:27:27,314 --> 00:27:30,159 clues to the chamber's original appearance. 400 00:27:31,041 --> 00:27:35,159 Deep holes dot the ancient brick at regular intervals. 401 00:27:35,161 --> 00:27:38,959 BENEDETTA: The holes were used to put 402 00:27:39,034 --> 00:27:43,759 inside iron elements to fix marble slabs. 403 00:27:44,721 --> 00:27:47,439 NARRATOR: Strong iron hooks take the weight of enormous 404 00:27:47,474 --> 00:27:49,079 marble panels. 405 00:27:49,121 --> 00:27:51,319 Thick slabs of this luxury paneling 406 00:27:51,361 --> 00:27:54,039 cover these walls from floor to ceiling. 407 00:27:54,081 --> 00:28:00,319 This means that this room was a very precious room. 408 00:28:00,321 --> 00:28:03,719 NARRATOR: These are the baths used by the emperor, 409 00:28:03,794 --> 00:28:06,119 and Benedetta believes every aspect of this 410 00:28:06,194 --> 00:28:09,559 fine decoration reveals an insight into Hadrian. 411 00:28:10,561 --> 00:28:13,479 In the time of the Emperor Hadrian, 412 00:28:13,554 --> 00:28:16,719 marble was used to impress guests, 413 00:28:16,794 --> 00:28:20,279 to show luxury and power 414 00:28:20,321 --> 00:28:24,839 of the emperor, and to show the emperor himself 415 00:28:24,914 --> 00:28:27,959 was a -- a god. 416 00:28:28,801 --> 00:28:31,479 NARRATOR: Hadrian believes he is a god. 417 00:28:31,521 --> 00:28:33,959 He wants his villa to remind his visitors 418 00:28:33,961 --> 00:28:35,799 of his divine status. 419 00:28:39,281 --> 00:28:40,959 An under-floor heating system 420 00:28:41,034 --> 00:28:42,799 warms this entrance hallway, 421 00:28:44,601 --> 00:28:48,959 and more than 10 tons of marble slabs cover the walls. 422 00:28:48,961 --> 00:28:51,919 Instead of the traditional circular atrium at the heart of 423 00:28:51,921 --> 00:28:53,399 most baths, 424 00:28:53,441 --> 00:28:56,879 these walls curve inwards to create unusual 425 00:28:56,954 --> 00:28:58,232 undulating vaults. 426 00:29:00,041 --> 00:29:03,319 Daylight shines in through giant glass windows, 427 00:29:03,361 --> 00:29:05,679 giving the room an ethereal aura. 428 00:29:08,841 --> 00:29:11,279 This complex octagonal bathhouse is 429 00:29:11,354 --> 00:29:13,799 topped with a segmented dome. 430 00:29:13,874 --> 00:29:17,799 What inspires this strange style of building? 431 00:29:21,681 --> 00:29:25,599 See how complicated was the shape 432 00:29:25,761 --> 00:29:28,759 of this interior, because of 433 00:29:28,801 --> 00:29:31,439 the straight and concave shape 434 00:29:31,514 --> 00:29:35,559 of the four walls and the roof. 435 00:29:35,634 --> 00:29:39,199 NARRATOR: This strange design is unusual in Roman architecture, 436 00:29:39,201 --> 00:29:41,959 but is a common theme in Hadrian's buildings. 437 00:29:43,041 --> 00:29:46,239 Ancient writers describe how Hadrian is fascinated 438 00:29:46,274 --> 00:29:47,599 by architecture, 439 00:29:47,601 --> 00:29:50,119 and his travels through the empire influence 440 00:29:50,194 --> 00:29:52,079 his lavish taste. 441 00:29:52,154 --> 00:29:56,159 He stayed in Syria as a governor of the province. 442 00:29:56,161 --> 00:30:00,279 It was a very rich province of Rome, and in Syria 443 00:30:00,321 --> 00:30:03,479 still today, we can see similar 444 00:30:03,521 --> 00:30:07,439 buildings with this particular movement of walls. 445 00:30:07,514 --> 00:30:12,879 So we think these elements could inspire the emperor. 446 00:30:13,721 --> 00:30:16,559 NARRATOR: This exotic and extravagant architecture 447 00:30:16,634 --> 00:30:18,719 is evidence Hadrian is personally 448 00:30:18,794 --> 00:30:20,719 involved in the design of his villa. 449 00:30:22,241 --> 00:30:26,079 BENEDETTA: We have perhaps one proof here in 450 00:30:26,154 --> 00:30:30,439 little bus that the emperor planned himself 451 00:30:30,514 --> 00:30:32,159 some buildings. 452 00:30:33,481 --> 00:30:35,279 NARRATOR: Hadrian wants this villa to be 453 00:30:35,361 --> 00:30:39,159 not just an illustration of his power or even his taste, 454 00:30:39,161 --> 00:30:40,839 but his talent. 455 00:30:40,914 --> 00:30:43,359 He has a deep passion for architecture, 456 00:30:43,361 --> 00:30:46,599 and, as emperor, it is allowed to run wild. 457 00:30:50,681 --> 00:30:53,759 Hadrian is a self-taught architect. 458 00:30:53,834 --> 00:30:57,599 He builds projects across the empire wherever he goes. 459 00:31:01,081 --> 00:31:03,399 He is fascinated with the domed 460 00:31:03,401 --> 00:31:05,359 and semi-domed structures he has seen 461 00:31:05,434 --> 00:31:08,799 in the east, and they inspire his own projects. 462 00:31:12,241 --> 00:31:14,999 The story goes, Hadrian discusses his designs 463 00:31:15,041 --> 00:31:18,439 with the celebrated architect Apollodorus of Damascus, 464 00:31:18,441 --> 00:31:21,359 who pours scorn on his efforts. 465 00:31:22,641 --> 00:31:26,279 The emperor later banishes Apollodorus, and the architect 466 00:31:26,354 --> 00:31:29,919 is eventually tried on trumped-up charges and executed. 467 00:31:35,081 --> 00:31:38,079 The villa is Hadrian's architectural playground, 468 00:31:38,154 --> 00:31:42,559 showing off his taste and talent on a grand scale. 469 00:31:42,561 --> 00:31:45,919 This extraordinary opulence makes his villa 470 00:31:45,994 --> 00:31:48,799 fit for an emperor and a god. 471 00:31:49,721 --> 00:31:51,919 But what clues to the real Hadrian, 472 00:31:51,994 --> 00:31:54,439 the private man, are found here? 473 00:32:05,041 --> 00:32:07,119 NARRATOR: Twenty miles from Rome, 474 00:32:07,121 --> 00:32:10,519 the 200-acre villa of Emperor Hadrian. 475 00:32:13,761 --> 00:32:16,559 Veronica Fondi works in the villa's on-site 476 00:32:16,634 --> 00:32:18,519 restoration laboratory, 477 00:32:18,521 --> 00:32:20,879 bringing the materials and decorations 478 00:32:20,954 --> 00:32:23,359 of these grand structures back to life. 479 00:32:24,561 --> 00:32:26,919 Today, she is restoring a statue that could 480 00:32:26,994 --> 00:32:31,199 reveal a deeply personal side of Hadrian's character 481 00:32:31,274 --> 00:32:35,359 and unlock the final clue to the real purpose of his villa. 482 00:32:38,121 --> 00:32:39,879 There were hundreds of statues in 483 00:32:39,954 --> 00:32:43,399 the original times, in the Hadrian times, in the villa. 484 00:32:45,041 --> 00:32:46,879 They were everywhere -- 485 00:32:46,881 --> 00:32:51,799 in the palace or near the fountains -- everywhere. 486 00:32:55,361 --> 00:32:57,799 NARRATOR: Roman leaders regularly portray themselves 487 00:32:57,874 --> 00:32:59,319 in statues. 488 00:33:00,201 --> 00:33:02,639 But the piece Veronica is working on today 489 00:33:02,714 --> 00:33:03,879 doesn't look Roman. 490 00:33:05,001 --> 00:33:07,359 In fact, it isn't even human. 491 00:33:09,401 --> 00:33:13,719 This is actually the statue of an Egyptian god, Horus. 492 00:33:17,361 --> 00:33:19,279 NARRATOR: Hadrian's interest in Egypt 493 00:33:19,281 --> 00:33:22,039 is exemplified in the Canopus. 494 00:33:22,041 --> 00:33:25,759 The marble-lined water feature is named for an Egyptian city, 495 00:33:26,721 --> 00:33:29,879 and its carved crocodiles and 400 feet of 496 00:33:29,921 --> 00:33:33,199 gentle flowing waters are styled on the River Nile. 497 00:33:33,274 --> 00:33:35,799 But it also boasts statues copied from 498 00:33:35,841 --> 00:33:39,359 the Acropolis in Athens and the Greek god, Hermes. 499 00:33:39,434 --> 00:33:42,959 Why does such a mix of non-Roman influences 500 00:33:43,034 --> 00:33:46,199 take center stage in a Roman emperor's villa? 501 00:33:50,041 --> 00:33:53,439 The statues around the Canopus are only rediscovered in 502 00:33:53,514 --> 00:33:58,119 the 1950s, when archaeologists dredged the mud-filled pool. 503 00:34:07,641 --> 00:34:10,199 NARRATOR: Art historian and site director, 504 00:34:10,241 --> 00:34:11,899 Andrea Bruciati, tries to 505 00:34:11,901 --> 00:34:15,519 make sense of this mixture of statues from different regions. 506 00:34:25,481 --> 00:34:27,799 NARRATOR: The sculptures around the Canopus seem to 507 00:34:27,841 --> 00:34:30,559 be from various parts of his enormous empire, 508 00:34:30,634 --> 00:34:33,519 almost like an expo of the Roman world. 509 00:34:35,281 --> 00:34:38,199 However, Andrea sees a link between them. 510 00:34:56,721 --> 00:34:58,879 NARRATOR: Greece and Egypt are separate parts 511 00:34:58,881 --> 00:35:00,999 of Hadrian's Roman Empire. 512 00:35:01,001 --> 00:35:03,439 But after the Greek king, Alexander the Great, 513 00:35:03,514 --> 00:35:06,999 conquers Egypt back in the fourth century BCE, 514 00:35:07,041 --> 00:35:09,559 Greek and Egyptian cultures blend. 515 00:35:17,281 --> 00:35:18,832 NARRATOR: The Greco-Egyptian city, 516 00:35:18,907 --> 00:35:22,439 Canopus, that gives its name to this feature in the villa, 517 00:35:22,514 --> 00:35:24,959 is a port on the Nile delta that has 518 00:35:24,961 --> 00:35:26,959 strong trade links with Greece. 519 00:35:38,961 --> 00:35:42,719 NARRATOR: Hadrian is especially influenced by Greek culture. 520 00:35:58,521 --> 00:36:02,159 NARRATOR: Hadrian spends half his 21-year reign traveling 521 00:36:02,234 --> 00:36:07,559 the vast empire, from Britain to Spain to Egypt. 522 00:36:09,881 --> 00:36:13,039 But Hadrian has a particular affinity for Greece. 523 00:36:13,041 --> 00:36:15,279 He loves all things Greek, 524 00:36:15,354 --> 00:36:18,199 from its architecture to its art and culture. 525 00:36:20,521 --> 00:36:23,399 In Greece, in 123 CE, 526 00:36:23,474 --> 00:36:26,439 He meets the love of his life, a Greek youth 527 00:36:26,514 --> 00:36:28,399 named Antinous, 528 00:36:28,474 --> 00:36:30,199 and brings him back to his villa. 529 00:36:32,001 --> 00:36:35,119 Antinous personifies Hadrian's obsession 530 00:36:35,194 --> 00:36:38,199 for and love of Greece. 531 00:36:38,281 --> 00:36:40,159 Ensconced in his luxury villa, 532 00:36:40,234 --> 00:36:43,679 it seems the emperor has everything he wants. 533 00:36:43,754 --> 00:36:46,839 But one monument to his travels could hold the key to 534 00:36:46,881 --> 00:36:50,279 a tragedy in Hadrian's life and shed light 535 00:36:50,354 --> 00:36:51,759 on the end of his reign. 536 00:37:04,241 --> 00:37:07,319 NARRATOR: The grand villa of Roman Emperor Hadrian. 537 00:37:09,161 --> 00:37:12,959 Hadrian expands this mega palace for more than a decade. 538 00:37:13,761 --> 00:37:15,959 The art and architecture on show here 539 00:37:15,961 --> 00:37:19,319 are evidence of his character and his reign, 540 00:37:19,361 --> 00:37:22,959 but could also shed light on a great personal tragedy. 541 00:37:24,921 --> 00:37:27,279 Benedetta Adembri looks for the clues 542 00:37:27,354 --> 00:37:29,399 at the ruins of a mysterious structure 543 00:37:29,441 --> 00:37:30,999 near the villa's entrance. 544 00:37:33,721 --> 00:37:39,199 We found brick stamps of the year 134, 545 00:37:39,274 --> 00:37:41,879 and so we know that it was 546 00:37:41,881 --> 00:37:45,119 one of the last building of the villa. 547 00:37:46,201 --> 00:37:49,999 We found recently some original Egyptian artifacts, 548 00:37:50,001 --> 00:37:56,079 but a lot of imitations made by Roman artisans. 549 00:37:57,641 --> 00:37:59,559 NARRATOR: The remaining masonry outlines 550 00:37:59,634 --> 00:38:01,599 the foundations of what could be 551 00:38:01,601 --> 00:38:04,319 two rectangular temples that face one another. 552 00:38:05,241 --> 00:38:10,839 Analysis of the soil indicates there were palm trees, 553 00:38:10,841 --> 00:38:16,599 so recalling Egypt also in the plants for the garden. 554 00:38:17,841 --> 00:38:20,359 NARRATOR: The Egyptian-style structure could be connected 555 00:38:20,361 --> 00:38:23,199 to the death of Hadrian's lover, Antinous. 556 00:38:25,281 --> 00:38:27,039 In 130 CE, 557 00:38:27,041 --> 00:38:30,279 Hadrian and Antinous are sailing up the River Nile 558 00:38:30,354 --> 00:38:32,839 in Egypt when Antinous drowns in 559 00:38:32,914 --> 00:38:34,799 suspicious circumstances. 560 00:38:36,721 --> 00:38:39,359 There are rumors that Antinous is murdered, 561 00:38:39,434 --> 00:38:41,599 because, no longer a boy, 562 00:38:41,601 --> 00:38:44,439 he is too old to be an acceptable companion 563 00:38:44,481 --> 00:38:46,679 for the emperor. 564 00:38:46,721 --> 00:38:51,279 Yet another rumor says Antinous sacrifices himself. 565 00:38:51,354 --> 00:38:53,519 A common belief was that one person's 566 00:38:53,594 --> 00:38:56,799 health could be sacrificed to improve another's. 567 00:38:58,921 --> 00:39:02,199 Dark rumors fly about what really happens on the Nile, 568 00:39:03,241 --> 00:39:06,199 but Benedetta believes the stamped brick that dates 569 00:39:06,201 --> 00:39:09,639 the building suggests Hadrian is not responsible 570 00:39:09,714 --> 00:39:11,319 for Antinous's death. 571 00:39:12,601 --> 00:39:15,679 BENEDETTA: We know that it was built after 572 00:39:15,754 --> 00:39:19,879 the voyage to Egypt and the death of Antinous. 573 00:39:21,441 --> 00:39:23,519 NARRATOR: Benedetta thinks Hadrian builds this 574 00:39:23,594 --> 00:39:26,159 monument to commemorate his lost lover. 575 00:39:27,121 --> 00:39:31,679 We can say that here, we have a will of the emperor 576 00:39:31,754 --> 00:39:34,159 to recall his voyage, 577 00:39:34,234 --> 00:39:37,359 but also the figure of Antinous. 578 00:39:40,161 --> 00:39:43,399 NARRATOR: This structure, known as the Aegyptica, 579 00:39:43,474 --> 00:39:45,999 is a memorial not just to a place close to 580 00:39:46,074 --> 00:39:48,999 Hadrian's heart, but also a person. 581 00:39:52,081 --> 00:39:54,559 Hadrian starts a cult to Antinous, 582 00:39:54,561 --> 00:39:57,799 builds a city by the Nile in his name, 583 00:39:57,874 --> 00:40:00,999 and even declares him a god. 584 00:40:01,001 --> 00:40:05,159 The actions of a bereaved lover or a guilty murderer? 585 00:40:06,721 --> 00:40:11,559 Hadrian dies eight years after Antinous, in 138 CE. 586 00:40:12,921 --> 00:40:16,839 Later emperors plunder his villa for its marble and stone, 587 00:40:16,914 --> 00:40:20,959 but the brick structures survive, and to this day, 588 00:40:21,034 --> 00:40:24,199 experts here continue to reveal new secrets about 589 00:40:24,201 --> 00:40:26,399 Hadrian and the Roman world. 590 00:40:28,921 --> 00:40:31,079 SERGIO: We have here one of the greatest 591 00:40:31,154 --> 00:40:34,719 reflections of the power of the Roman empire, 592 00:40:35,601 --> 00:40:36,799 and Villa Hadrian is also 593 00:40:36,874 --> 00:40:40,919 a window on the person of Hadrian himself. 594 00:40:44,441 --> 00:40:46,839 NARRATOR: This incredible villa is a testament to 595 00:40:46,841 --> 00:40:49,719 the heights of Roman luxury and engineering. 596 00:40:51,121 --> 00:40:55,559 From unique architecture, clad in the richest materials, 597 00:40:55,634 --> 00:40:57,559 to subterranean passageways 598 00:40:57,601 --> 00:40:59,999 hiding his thousand servants, 599 00:41:00,001 --> 00:41:04,199 and the groundbreaking design of his private island home, 600 00:41:04,274 --> 00:41:06,799 to the magical spectacle of the waterfalls 601 00:41:06,874 --> 00:41:10,279 he controls with a wave of his hand. 602 00:41:10,354 --> 00:41:13,319 Every aspect of this staggering creation 603 00:41:13,394 --> 00:41:14,959 reflects the private 604 00:41:15,034 --> 00:41:18,039 and public character of the man who builds it 605 00:41:19,401 --> 00:41:22,119 and brings us ever closer to 606 00:41:22,194 --> 00:41:25,399 understanding one of Rome's greatest emperors.