The Pantheon in Rome is one of the most iconic structures in the city and a marvel of ancient architecture. Originally built over 2,000 years ago, this remarkable building has stood the test of time and remains an impressive testament to the skill and ingenuity of the Roman people.
In this post, we will take a closer look at this architectural masterpiece.
Table of Contents
Why Was the Pantheon Built?
At the time the Pantheon was built, the Romans were extremely devoted to their many different gods and goddesses, and there was no temple that could house them all. So when Hadrian came to power and began to initiate major new building projects, he decided to build a massive temple that could serve as a sacred space for all the Roman gods. The result was the magnificent Pantheon.
What Was the Pantheon Used For?
The Pantheon was originally built as a temple dedicated to the ancient Roman gods. The magnificence and scale of the building reflected the importance that the Romans placed on religion, and they expended enormous resources to ensure that their many temples were both magnificent and functional.
The Pantheon was one of the most important temples in ancient Rome, and its use as such continued until the fall of the empire. Eventually, it was used as a Catholic church, and today it still serves an important purpose as a museum open to visitors from all over the world.
Who Built the Pantheon?
The Pantheon as we know it today was built in 126 AD by Emperor Hadrian, who had a passion for architecture and designed the temple in collaboration with Apollodorus of Damascus, a famous Greek architect. Unfortunately, the architect was executed on order of the emperor, due to an argument regarding the temple’s design.
Incidentally, the original Pantheon was built by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Emperor Augustus in 27 BC. It then burned down, first in 80, before being rebuilt by Domitian, only to burn down again in 110, before Hadrian built the final version we see today.
What Is Special About Pantheon?
The first thing that makes the Pantheon special is its enormous size. Unlike other ancient Roman buildings that have crumbled or been toppled over time, the Pantheon has withstood the ravages of time for hundreds of years and remains an impressive structure. Its size sets it apart from other smaller buildings and gives it a unique sense of importance.
But perhaps even more striking than its sheer size is the ingenious construction behind the design. The dome, for example, which was made with concrete rather than stone or brick, is completely smooth on the outside, but supported by complex internal columns and arches on the inside.
What Does Pantheon Mean?
The word “Pantheon” is derived from the ancient Greek words “pan,” meaning “all,” and “theon,” meaning “gods.” Throughout the ages, this term has been used to refer to a number of different things:
- A temple in Rome that was dedicated to the gods
- A symbol of cultural supremacy or universality
- An architectural style that uses classical Greek and Roman design elements
No matter how the word is interpreted, the meaning of “Pantheon” remains constant: it is a symbol of wholeness, diversity and timelessness.
What Is Written on the Pantheon?
When looking at the Pantheon, one quickly notices that there is an inscription on the wall above the columns. On the inscription it is written, “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, thrice consul, built this.”
Although at first glance this may seem like a simple piece of information, historians have long had different opinions about its meaning. Some have argued that it’s a confirmation that Marcus Agrippa was indeed the original architect of the Pantheon, while others believe that it is simply an honorary recognition of his contribution.
Pantheon Dome Construction
When it came to constructing the dome of the Pantheon, Roman builders faced a number of unique challenges. To begin with, they had to build a solid base that could support the weight of the roof as it rose towards the top. To achieve this, they first constructed a thick, circular wall in the form of a rotunda, six meters wide at the base and curved inward as it rose to form the roof. Once they had laid this foundation, they used vertical walls on either side of the dome to provide additional support and support the structure as it grew taller.
As the dome continued to rise toward the top, the master craftsmen gradually adopted lighter and lighter aggregates in the concrete mix. This principle started at the base with heavy travertine stone before going all the way up to delicate marble at the top of the dome.
Thanks to this careful balance between strength and lightness in building materials, Roman builders were able to complete one of history’s most impressive and iconic domes. At once grand yet perfectly balanced, it continues to be a testament to their ingenuity and skill centuries after its completion.
Pantheon Architecture and Design
The Pantheon is an architectural masterpiece with a design that has been copied many times throughout history. The building’s dome is the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built.
The shape of the building is a result of the construction method, where concrete blocks were laid to create arches that support a brick-covered concrete dome.
The Pantheon is the best preserved ancient Roman building in existence. The domed roof has been called “the greatest architectural achievement of antiquity” and the portico “one of the most majestic monuments of ancient Rome.”
Today, the Pantheon is still used as a church and tourist attraction. If you happen to be in Rome and you want to see the Pantheon, the address is Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.