Not only did Hadrian have his own private swimming pool built, but he had a solarium for sunbathing, and a seven-room section on a small, artificial island where he could be by himself and away from his office for awhile. He even went as far as to have a private theater constructed for his estate. So as not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the well-ordered estate, the servants were instructed to work undercover in tunnels, running from one end to the other. There were private apartments for night visitors and messengers, too. The floors of these apartments were done in many mosaic designs, no two being the same.
Olive trees surrounded the grounds and gave a sweet smell to the still air. As our joking guide said, We eat the olives and give their leaves to the museum."
Hadrian's Villa represented the Roman empire at its zenith of power and strength, displaying the magnificence and grandeur that was Rome.