In 131, the Athenians honoured Hadrian by erecting a triumphal arch in a blend of Greek and Roman styles at the junction between the old town and the new Roman district. The inscription facing the Acropolis states "This city is Athens, the old city of Theseus", while the inscription on the other side reads "This is the city of Hadrian and not that of Theseus". This act of placing the Roman emperor on equal footing with the mythological hero was the Athenians' way of showing their gratitude to Hadrian while also flattering his vanity.