Hadrian's Library

Hadrian's Library is a monumental building created by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD, located on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens. The library follows a Roman forum architectural style, with a main entrance, a high surrounding wall, an inner courtyard surrounded by columns, and a decorative oblong pool in the middle. The library was used to store rolls of papyrus 'books' and had adjoining halls used as reading rooms and lecture halls. The building suffered damage from the Herulian invasion and was later repaired. During Byzantine times, three churches were built at the site, and a colossal statue of the goddess Nike/Victoria is exhibited on the site