2-368-677 - Samuel Magal/Sites & Photos/Heritage Images

The nymphaeum at Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli, Italy. A nymphaeum was a monument consecrated to the nymphs, especially those of springs. Hadrian's Villa was the luxurious retreat of Emperor Hadrian in Tibur (modern Tivoli) and was one of the most magnificent villas in the ancient world. It was built in the 2nd century AD as a home for the emperor and his court. During the later years of his reign, he actually governed the empire from the villa. The villa shows echoes of many different architectural orders, mostly Greek and Egyptian.