SYNTAGMA. Built for the Emperor Hadrian in 131 AD, this arch was constructed to separate old Athens from the newer, Roman-built portion of the city. Inscriptions on each side of the arch indicate as much: "This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus" faces the Acropolis, while "This is the City of Hadrian and not of Theseus" distinguishes the side where Roman ruins have now all but disappeared. The arch rests on ornate Corinthian columns and sits at the intersection of several main roads.

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