The Roman Pantheon is an architectural wonder built by the Roman's over 18 centuries ago that has had enormous impact on architectural design and techniques still today. Built under the reign of Emperor Hadrian 118-128A.D during the High Empire Period the Pantheon we know today was built in the same location as two prior pantheon's that both fell to fire (Kleiner 210). Although the exact artist(s) of that of the Pantheon are not particularly known credit goes to Emperor Hadrian whom dedicated the newly rebuilt Pantheon to Marcus Agrippa, the person whom created the very first pantheon that stood in the same spot(Moore). The word pantheon itself is of Greek orientation and means “a temple to all gods”(Kleiner 210) and the Roman Pantheon …show more content…
From ahead the porch with its Greek style design melds perfectly with its other Roman counterpart the rotunda. The 8 red and gray marble forward facing Corinthian style columns (16 in total) create beautiful leading lines that brings your eye directly to the inscription reading “M. AGRIPPA L.F. COS TERTIUM FECIT” on the porch facade for whom the Pantheon was dedicated to (Cartwright). Somewhat blocked by the porch lies the connecting structure and the massive rotunda. When looking at the exterior of the Pantheon in its entirety you can break its components down into basic shapes. The connecting structure and porch of the Pantheon both have a rectangular shape in opposition with that of the cylindrical drum and circular dome. The meticulous planning of the combination of Greek and Roman Style with variation in precisely placed shapes creates a very interesting and complex symmetrical balance. Observing the exterior more closely the punctilious details within the main components complete the entire composition of The Pantheon. The variety within the gray toned walls with the chiseled out borders contrast well with the bronze covered dome bringing a unique unity to the entire exterior …show more content…
It amazes me how the Roman's created such a beautiful building in there time period without all of the technological advances that we have today. In my research I came upon an article that said some historians believe that the Pantheon represented a specific type of sundial called a “hemicyclium”, not in a technical aspect to be used as a instrument to tell time but in order to symbolize that of the sundial (Hannah, Giulio). The meanings and feelings portrayed within the building and the engineering task they had to overcome simply amazes me. I can only imagine the beauty in which it has been described back when it was first built and how proud the Roman's must have been to call such a miraculous construction there own. Not only is the building itself beautiful but how almost every aspect within it has meaning makes the name its given well deserved. I wish that today we still put the same time, effort and meaning into the architecture that is created in the present instead of just building what ever is the cheapest and fastest. To me the Pantheon shows significance, you don't have to research it in order to see the hard work that was put into it or the feelings it can convey by just looking at a picture. In fact that is why I choose it, not even knowing all of the spectacular things I've come to find out but by simply looking at a Photograph. One day I hope to actually see
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.
The first and second pantheons were burnt down and the current one has lasted till current day. The whole building stands at a high of 7 m not including the 1.3-meter high base. The base is made out of steps made out of Numidia yellow marble, which shows Rome’s wealth that they could to import such an expensive resource and put it one, the floor. The Pantheon is made up of 2 rooms, the porch and the rotunda that is the main body of the structure. The porch follows a very classical geek style where as the rotunda is more reminiscent of the roman public bathhouses. The rotunda is made of brick and the roman concrete that was then faced with white marble stucco to match the porch in appearance. The dome roof covering the rotunda is also made of roman concrete and then covered with bronze sheets that were removed in 663 CE by Constans 2nd. The Bronze roofing showed the importance of this building since all other buildings in Rome had roofs made of tiles. The measures 33 by 13.6 m and presents the building with a colonnade of 8 Corinthian columns that tower 11.8 m high. The column shafts are made of grey granite and with the pediments and capitals made of white marble. This really shows how Rome cannot only get such rich resources but can also the reach Rome has to get all the different types of stone for this construction. The porch has a faced of Pentalic marble and is decorated with religious
This paper will compare the architecture, history, art theme, religion and the location behind the two buildings: The Pantheon, and San Vitale. Overview: The Pantheon was built in Rome, Italy during the reign of Augustus (27 BCE - 14 CE). It is a religious building dedicated to all gods, which is the meaning of its name.
The Pantheon deduces its name from Greek word meaning “All the gods of a religion”. The Pantheon was originally constructed as a famous temple in Rome which was devoted to all the gods of Ancient Rome. It is the best preserved building from Ancient Rome and was completed by 125 CE. Its magnificent dome is a living testimony to the genius of the Roman architects and as the building still remain undamaged, it offers a unique chance for the modern boulevardier to step back 2000 years and experience the glory that was Rome.
Pantheon and Hagia Sophia Pantheon and Hagia Sophia are two extremely outstanding architectural pieces of their times. They have been built according to the traditions of those particular times. The materials used to built these buildings and the purpose for which they were used are all very important aspects and have been briefly covered in this report. Pantheon The statesman Agrippa built pantheon in 27 B.C. Then it was completely rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian. The Pantheon is remarkable for its size, its construction, and its design. The dome was the largest built until modern times. The present structure was probably originally built as a temple for all the pagan gods. We do hear of it as being a law-court and a reception area for
Next, we have the Pantheon a wonderful temple in Rome which is now a church called Santa Maria ad Martyres. The Pantheon was built in 27-25 B.C. by magistrate, Marcus Agripa to commemorate the victory of Actium over Antony and Cleopatra. Unfoaryanty, the original temple burned down in 80 AD and it was restored between 193-211 by emperor, Septiums and Caracalla. Later, when Christianity replace paganism in Rome, the temple was give to Pope Boniface IV 608 AD. The Pantheon was the first to be Christianized in Rome. The Pantheon is 142 ft. wide and 142 ft. in height it is shaped as a sphere sitting on a cylinder. The place is resting in a solid ring wall while the outside is covered in cantilevered brick. The porch is made of 16 monolothic Corinituan
The first thing seen at the front of the Pantheon is a large covered portico which is surrounded by eight large, granite Corinthian style columns and each side of the portico contains two groups of four more columns. On top of the portico there is an inscription that reads, "M. AGRIPPA.L.F.COSTERTIUM.FECIT” which translates to “Marcus Agrippa son of Lucius, having been consul three times made it”, attributed to the man whom commissioned or made the building (rome.info). Beyond the portico, a vestibule connects the portico to the rotunda. The rotunda sits under a large concrete, beautiful coffered dome which measures 142 ft. in diameter. In the center of the dome there is a
Arguably, one of the most influential structures of Rome was the Pantheon because of its immense size, and the use of concrete for the massive dome. This structure was named the Pantheon most likely because Pliny the elder, a spectator during the time of Vespasian 's rule saw this and referred to it as the “Pantheum”. Although the version of the Pantheon that Pliny the elder saw is not the Pantheon currently in Rome, there are many accounts of what it looked like, and why it was built. Agrippa’s Pantheon, the version that Pliny witnessed, or the original pantheon was built during the Pax Romana. This was a time of peace for the Romans, and to lead them in their endeavors was Emperor Augustus. During this time culture flourished because of there was no need to worry about necessities. From 31 BCE to 14CE the Pantheon was constructed to honor the Julian clan. The result of this was a south-facing rectangular building, with the Thermae of Agrippa, or the Roman public baths to the south. This temple was decastyle, meaning that is had 10 columns on each side. Pliny also mentioned that Diogenes of Athens was commissioned by Agrippa to create the caryatid columns. Caryatid columns are much like sculptures, in that they depict a person, but this person is standing in order to form a column to support another structure. To much dismay this temple was destroyed in the
The Pantheon, whose name gets from the ancient Greek and signifies “common to all the gods”: Pan means “all”, and Theon means “gods”, is the best preserved building from ancient Rome. Its magnificent dome is a lasting testimony to the genius of Roman architects and as the building stands virtually intact.
Pantheon is a masterpiece of Roman architecture; it was a unique building that combined two different styles. Michelangelo praised it as an angel design. It becomes the object of learning of Italian architects during Renaissance. Besides, many famous artists such as Raphael were buried here, but also the kings like Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I.
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, completed in 126 AD. Currently a state property, it is now a Roman Catholic Church. As one of Rome’s most well preserved ancient buildings, it has had continuous use through the ages. This is likely due to the fact that it was converted from a temple to a church early on, saving it from sacking and destruction. At its’ inception, it is believed to have been a temple to numerous Roman deities. (“Pantheon, n.d.) The name pantheon refers to a temple dedicated to all the gods. (Merriam Webster, n.d.) The building is made up of a portico, or porch, and a rectangular vestibule that connects the porch to a rotunda. The rotunda features an oculus that provides light as well as ventilation. During rain and storms, any water entering the uncovered oculus runs off into built-in drains still functioning from their original construction. The dome’s inner design is comprised of intersecting arches and coffers. Likely symbolic, these were built in multiples of eight,
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
In this paper I will compare and contrast the Parthenon in Athens, Greece with the Pantheon in Rome, Italy. While The Pantheon was built later and takes much from the Greek style of architecture, it also brings its own contributions to architecture that remain with us in 2016. The Parthenon was built as a temple for the Greek Goddess Athena. It was constructed between 447-432 BC to be the focal point of the Acropolis building complex.
The Pantheon of Rome was covered with a veneer of white marble and bronze. It features a portico with eight Corinthian columns. A portico was a porch leading to the entrance. The Pantheon has a nineteen foot thick Rotunda. Rotunda
Agrippa, Augustus’ right-hand man, constructed this building as a temple to all the gods; however, a fire destroyed this temple in 80 CE and so Domitian built the reconstruction. The Pantheon we are familiar with has a significantly different design than the original one, and this is why this specific temple is so dislike to the rest of the Roman temples. Before it was burnt, the Pantheon stood in a podium at the end of a large rectangular court. The surroundings of this temple have changed in order to provide a unique experience to its visitors. For example, the temple has en enormous dome with a 27-foot oculus that opens to the sky. This oculus lets a shaft of light come through creating an emphasis wherever the reflection is. Visitors were driven nowhere but to the light at the center of the dome. This building was built for greeting foreign embassies, adjudicating disputes and hold court (Janson). Moreover, the Pantheon is extraordinary because of the potential and strength of concrete. Some other materials used in the process of building the temple include travertine, tufa, brick, and pumice. These materials varied in order to reduce its weight. The colored marble on the wall symbolized imperial authority. The sphere is though to symbolize eternity and perfection and the bronze panels symbolized a starry night sky.