Hadrian's Wall is one of the most famous legacies of the Roman Empire. It has stood for two thousand years as a testament to its creator, yet he remains an enigmatic figure. Author Danny Danziger and Nicholas Purcell reveal the details of the extraordinary life of this mysterious man and the era in which he lived and ruled.

Hadrian was Spanish, restless, and spiritual. He traveled constantly and spent a lot of time in cultural centers such as Athens and Alexandria. Although not warlike, he was a good soldier and was comfortable in all classes. His personal life was complex, filled with scandalous situations and contradictory sexuality.

This complex character was also responsible for some of the most enduring architectural treasures in the world. He built the Pantheon in Rome, the largest dome constructed with pre-industrial methods, and an extensive 900-room villa in Tivoli with an impressive 'pumpkin case' - a fitting monument for this unique emperor.