Hadrian was one of history's most powerful and respected rulers. As one of the 'five good emperors' he reigned during an epoch viewed by chroniclers as the happiest of the ancient period. Starting in 117 A.D., Hadrian ruled for 21 years over an empire spanning three continents. Hadrian ended his predecessors' expansion politics, stabilised the provinces and became a great emperor of peace and prosperity. His legacy was immense, since Hadrian invested in infrastructure and the arts in all parts of his enormous realm. It wasn't only Rome and Athens that had him to thank for new buildings and comprehensive restorations, but many other cities of his empire as well.
