Comparing Athens And The Pantheon

Many similar characteristics are used throughout the Classical and Early Empire when the construction of temples was being built. Though old techniques were used, the advancement of new methods were being introduced to build faster, stronger, and in different shapes and sizes. We will discuss the Parthenon and the Pantheon; though similar in name, they do have some differences that represent the Greek and Roman styles.

Many people consider the Parthenon to be an extraordinary building. Why is this building so celebrated and influential? The purpose of this paper is to discuss some of the building’s history, examine the intricate architectural choices, and explore the extent to which selected Classically-inspired architectural works have taken influence from the Parthenon.

The Roman Pantheon is a monumental building that has clearly influenced many forms of architecture throughout history. The entire building has been constructed of concrete and at the time in history, is an extraordinary feat to accomplish with its dome form with no real interior structural support. Although the Pantheon has influenced many buildings, it is not particularly an eye pleasing building to view compared to the pavilion in an English Garden from the 18th Century. For example, the exterior of the Pantheon consists of an octastyle portico, backed against a tall, square attic block connecting the cylindrical walls and the portico. This combination of different forms and shapes coming together does not create a pleasing connection or

One of the main areas that we can see the influence of the Greeks in the Roman Empire is through the architecture that they used. Both Greece and Rome have some of the most beautiful architectural buildings in the world. The two that are most notable is the Parthenon in Greece and the Pantheon in Rome. The Romans picked up on the Greeks most favorite form of architect: the arch. “The arch constituted a clear technological advance over the post-and-lintel construction used by the Greeks in buildings like the Parthenon”

Both though use eight pillars, or columns, to support a pediment. Also similar is the use of art and sculpture to the buildings beauty and its god dedication(s). (Diffen, n/a) One difference, besides shape, that can be found between the architecture of the Parthenon and the Pantheon involves how the buildings were lit. The Pantheon has an oculus in its dome that provides light. Other temples of the time, and even of the time that the Parthenon was built, either used lamps, clerestories or were hypaethral.

This essay aims to draw some conclusions from the comparison between two ancient buildings: the Roman Pantheon, completed in 125 A.D., and the Athenian Parthenon, completed in 432 B.C.

The advancements and the various contributions made during the times of the classical Mediterranean civilizations have many imprints and influences in today’s life and society. One way the Mediterranean civilizations impacted modern society is through architecture. Many modern nations today model their political or parliamentary structures after the styles first used and designed by the Romans and the Greeks. Even in the United States we have evidence of this, such as the structures of the Supreme Court and Lincoln Memorial.

Many of Rome’s paramount architectural accomplishments can be found in, and around Italy. These sites include the Pantheon, the Arch of Titus, the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the Roman Forum, and Ancient Roman Aqueducts, along with the Colosseum. Many of these architectural feats have been replicated throughout Roman territory. Their domain stretched all over Europe, Northern Africa, and even into the Middle East. Today we are still able to enjoy much of Rome’s artistry, which can be linked to the how their engineers manufactured these monuments. Roman architects created structurally sound buildings by making use of the vault, and the arch. These engineers also created concrete, a binding agent holding the structures together. All of these forms were later replicated throughout the empire (Lake Oswego School District, 2012:1).

Before making a comparison it is important to introduce the background of both examples being studied, the Parthenon and the Pantheon.

Many often lump Greek and Roman culture into one movement. The Greeks were an influence on the Roman Empire in everything from their art, architecture, and mathematics to their political structure. Though they are separated by over 500 years, the building of the Parthenon and Pantheon were each hugely significant architectural strides for each culture. Each has their similarities, as well as differences. On a whole, they set the way for the architects of the future with their vision.

When the ruler of the Roman empire Trajan, died, the empire was in chaos, so Hadrian seized control of imperial Rome. Shortly afterward he left Rome and he began to design one of the most influential buildings that the Roman empire would ever build. The construction of the Pantheon set an example for all other temples and building on how to build such a large structure, with an immense amount of intricacies that make it so awesome. The Romans used these techniques in many other projects like the Hagia Sophia, and showed the use of many other elements that had been used since the Etruscans. This paper will evaluate how the Romans built, designed, and changed their style over the course of the pax Romana, and reveal how we use Roman techniques

The most obvious similarity would be that of the protruding domes the two buildings possess. While they do have similar shape, they are constructed differently according to the style of the area. The Pantheon, for example, consists of stone and concrete, as opposed to the Dome of the Rock, which consists of a gilded wooden dome. With a central diameter of 142 feet, the Pantheon is actually the world’s largest unsupported dome. The romans had to design it with certain weight releases, such as the numerous coffers and the central oculus, in order to keep the dome from collapsing on itself. Because of its shape, most of the weight is pushed down and around the circumference of the dome. To keep it supported, thick concrete walls inside of the

The Greek architecture, especially public commemorative building usually are single-storey and simple rectangular form. According to the number and arrangement of the building column to made different building form. The temple of the Pantheon was surrounded by columns and the columns of Temple of Athena Nike are placed in the front and back of the building. Therefore, the column, basic and entablature are the key to decide the level of art and style of the building. Moreover, Greece is designed buildings as a sculpture with a beautiful look from the outside view. Greek architecture was mean to be viewed as a piece of art that would give pleasure to the gods. Ornate exteriors of the buildings, pediments, metopes and the relative drabness of the interiors are the evidence which is easy to see.

Greek and Roman temples are the most influential temples of all times. It is argued that the Greek influenced the Romans and this may be the reason why their temples are so alike. The Parthenon and the Pantheon are the most popular temples of both eras. However, the Pantheon does not look like other roman temples would to Greek temples – and this is because it has interior space and thus has a completely different composition. Despite their quite similar looks, Roman and Greek temples have unique differences in material, method, purpose, and others.

Greek and Roman architecture is truly amazing. They each had great ideas, and fabulous productions. It is said that the Pantheon is to Italy what the Parthenon is to Greece. Both are tremendous monuments that reek of culture and history. Each had a purpose which was displayed by the design and construction of each. There are such great meanings behind each of these architecural structures. The Romans and the Greeks alike worshipped and dedicated their structures and designs to the Gods and Goddess they believed in.