ABSTRACT
The Roman Empire had reached the peak of its power and wealth under Trajan and Hadrian. Both emperors were avid builders and the vast resources at their disposal enabled them to execute projects of unprecedented scale. Hadrian had also introduced new artistic and architectural currents from outside Italy, particularly from the Greek world which he admired more than the Roman. In the course of his reign he visited every corner of his vast empire and his promotion of large provincial cities was eventually to affect the status of Rome as the centre of power of the Roman Empire.
