Pantheon Vs Parthenon Research Paper

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.

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.

The Rome’s Pantheon and Greek’s Parthenon are both significant and innovative structures that have influenced the architecture around the world. This essay will describe the style and function of each building as well as the similarities and differences between ancient Greece and Rome in four characters including history, design, usage, and similarity.

The ancient Greek civilization contributed many great new ideas and aspects to everyday life that shaped and inspired the modern day society. The Greeks are well known for their construction of temples, acropolis’ and other grand architectural structures. Among these structures stood one of the most famous, the Parthenon. The Parthenon was a symbol of Greek society and culture as it stood as one of Greece’s most important architectural buildings.

The manipulation of materials used by the Romans has still not been equaled to this day. This reality is surprising when considering the span of time which has passed since the completion of the Pantheon. A period of almost two thousand years has come and gone without any other dome structure equivalently matching the enormity and importance of the Pantheon. Hadrian’s commencement of the Pantheon has created one of the more “influential works in Western architectural history (Fazio, Moffett, and Lawrence). Keeping in mind the pantheon was created as a temple to commemorate all the pagan gods of ancient Rome (Alcott). At the time it was a very large undertaking and Hadrian felt that using architecture was a sufficient course of action to demonstrate his imperial prowess. The Roman Empire was outstretched over a vast expanse of land and could not sustain itself, however Hadrian used his knowledge of the lay to procure some elements for his reconstruction of the Pantheon. Literally meaning “many gods” the pantheon also served as a sundial with an oculus opening at the apex of the dome. Hadrian’s belief in pagan deities coerced him to create a grand structure suitable to express the divine influence of the gods over the Roman Empire. In fact, Hadrian’s reign produced many architectural exploits that had never been seen or even attempted before his

The Parthenon is an Ancient Greek building sitting on the acropolis of Athens. To compare it to the Pantheon is quite a feat, but they don’t have as many similarities as one would imagine. The Parthenon of Ancient Greece serves as a temple, but it also had another purpose. The Pantheon served as a monument and temple, to dedicate not only to the emperor of Rome but the gods and the Christian god later on.

1.The Pantheon was designed to be placed to commemorate every god and goddesses (all the Roman gods and goddesses), whereas the Parthenon was a temple for the patron of goddess, Athena.

I chose the Pantheon because it is an integral and notable piece of Roman architecture.

The first major similarity is that the Parthenon and Pantheon were both built as temples for the gods and goddesses of their time. The Parthenon was dedicated to the goddess Athena and completed in 432 B.C.E. The Parthenon was built by Iktinos, Kalikrates. Whereas the Pantheon was dedicated to all the gods and goddesses of Rome in 126 C.E. The Pantheon was built by Aelius Hadrianus.

Initial observations of the Roman Pantheon from the front appear to be similar to the ruins of the Greek Parthenon, but really both structures are somewhat unique in their composition, purpose, design, and fate. Constructed over half of a millennium after the Parthenon was built, the Pantheon, built in 27 B.C., exhibits some of the architectural styles and characteristics of its predecessor. However, the Romans refined Greek building techniques, thereby developing a unique and more advanced architectural style.

These nations used art and architecture to honor their beliefs (such as the Greek gods and goddesses). While temples dedicated to the gods in Greece were constructed of marble and limestone, Roman architecture was fashioned out of concrete. The concrete used around the nation of Rome was simple to make and it was extremely sturdy. The Romans also made paintings and statues dedicated to their gods.

The Parthenon in Athens was constructed for the purpose of representing the power of those leaders at that time in Athens. There were some leaders who has a power in leading the sciety like elderly and rich people who used to control the entire societ who designed the way the building look like. This building reflect their power at that time. This shows that how Athenian were so powefull and their impact in the city. The Partenon was built as a replacement of the one destroyed in the war and as the one ancient building were some of its remain available at this time. Though it is destroyed by war, there is some left which shows the style of the building. There are some image sculpture which shows the way the situation of people life and belife. While the Pantheon in Rome is related with God and religion where it is still using as church at the current time. The interior of the building is very decorated and designed with the images which is related to religion. Still the building is providing some service like wedding and funeral ceremony by some people.

They were both initially Temples and used for worship. Both of them have 8 columns to support a pediment. Both of them have faced some destruction and rebuilding, However, The Pantheon was built in Rome to celebrate all their Roman gods (Pantheon n.d.). The Parthenon was built in Ancient Greece for their goddess Athena. The pantheon is made of concrete and marble while the foundation of Parthenon is made of limestone and its columns are made of Pentelic marble.

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.

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.