The Symbolic Use of Light in Hadrianic Architecture and the 'Kiss of the Sun

Research reveals that three significant Roman monuments—Villa Adriana, the Mausoleum of Hadrian (Castel Sant'Angelo), and the Pantheon—exhibit rare luminous phenomena tied to astronomical events such as solstices, with precise symbolic meanings. These occurrences, documented for the first time, include the 'Kiss of the Sun,' a phenomenon where sunlight aligns in specific ways during key Roman calendar dates. The study highlights how Hadrianic architecture deliberately incorporated celestial alignments, despite the lack of written sources on Roman oriented buildings and their illuminations. By analyzing these monuments, the research provides ancient documentation of symbolic light use, offering insights into the cultural and astronomical significance embedded in Roman design.

Franceschini, M. D., & Veneziano, G. (2018). The Symbolic Use of Light in Hadrianic Architecture and the 'Kiss of the Sun. Archaeoastronomy and Ancient Technologies. https://doi.org/10.24411/2310-2144-2018-00001