The Maritime Theatre at Hadrian's Villa and Its Decoration

A groundbreaking digital survey of the Maritime Theatre at Hadrian's Villa reveals the intricate design and historical significance of its mixtilinear architecture. This circular 'domus' showcases Hadrianic architectural innovation, blending curved and straight lines in both plan and elevation. The study uncovers how complex entablatures designed by Hadrian's architects were systematically removed and reused from the Middle Ages onward, with fragments now scattered across Europe. By creating a 3D analytical model that integrates digitally gathered elements, researchers have deepened our understanding of this emblematic structure, shedding light on its architectural inspiration and historical impact.

Adembri, B., Cipriani, L., & Fantini, F. (2019). The Maritime Theatre at Hadrian’s Villa and Its Decoration. Conservation, Restoration, and Analysis of Architectural and Archaeological Heritage, 225–255. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-7555-9.ch010