Exhibition reviews Roman Emperor Hadrian

At London's British Museum, the History of Hadrian lives again. A new exhibition reviews the many contrasts of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who was considered a ruthless military leader.

A new exhibition reviews the many contrasts of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who was considered a ruthless military leader. (Photo: CCTV.com)

Hadrian had his fingers burnt in ancient Iraq. He fought insurrection on several fronts. And in the north of England, built a huge wall to guard the frontier from fractious Celtic clans. Despite his military involvement he was able to boost Rome's economy and leave a major artistic legacy.

A new exhibition reviews the many contrasts of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who was considered a ruthless military leader. (Photo: CCTV.com)

Many of the trials and tribulations facing the Roman Emperor nearly 2,000 years ago resonate today.

Hadrian was immensely popular with soldiers. His reforms of the armed forces remained the standard for the Roman Army for over a century.