Why Is Hadrian Important

Emperor Hadrian concentrated more on how the Empire was run verses making it larger. He also helped start the Pax Romana (Roman Peace). (Mahoney, 2001)

An easily made mixture of sand and rock, it was much lighter than marble, just as durable, and could easily be worked to form different configurations. This progression in material, and craftsmanship enabled the Romans to make the dome which still can be seen today. However, they did not stray too far from the Greek innovations; they also included Corinthian columns made from granite as part of the façade. The porch on the Pantheon has the same character as the Parthenon; it uses the columns to assist in holding up the porch roof. The Parthenon also used columns, called Doric which was not just the style of columns, but also represented an architecture design that gave the standing columns a unique look. Using the post and lintel system, they distributed the weight of the massive roof evenly. They were also used more extensively throughout the Parthenon, using an ingenious ratio of 4:9 which gives it a sense of harmony and balance. One difference they do portray is the way light enters inside the structures. With the Parthenon having columns that surrounded the entire structure, light was able to freely enter without obstructions. The Pantheon light source, other than the light that enters through the front entrance, is by a hole that is in the roof that is approximately twenty-seven feet in size. However, we

Pantheon located in Rome, Italy is the most well conserved architectural structure of the Roman period. Pantheon, initially a roman sanctuary worked to committed to every one of the divine beings, however in 609AD., it was transformed into a congregation and stays as it. Initially worked by Agrippa around 27BC under Augustus' lead however it was caught fire during 80D, under Emperor Domitian's care then build it again, yet was struck by lightning and burned down again in 110AD. The present Pantheon was worked in 120AD and finished by Emperor Hadrian alongside Apollodorus of Damascus. (Hannah and Magli 2011)

From the outside of the Pantheon the dome seems shallow and insignificant, said to be purposely done not to ruin the "suprise" of the interior (Gilbert 379). It is only when viewing the inside that one can truly appreciate the amazing architectural design and workmanship of this building. Another remarkable attribute of this temple to the gods is that it is still in use today with much of the original materials intact. The columns, the marble paneled walls, the floor, and the two enormous bronze doors are all originals, making the Pantheon the best preserved surviving Roman structure. The Panthenon can be viewed at the following site which shows many pictures of the interior and exterior of this truly remarkle building: http://www.kent.wednet.edu/curriculum/soc_studies/rome/Pantheon.html

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

One example of public buildings built by Trajan was Trajan’s Forum. Trajan’s Forum was designed by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus. Trajan’s Forum contains a four-story, open air shopping mall, the Basilica Ulpia, where laws and government matters were handled, and Trajan’s Column. Trajan’s Forum was a huge architectural achievement because slaves and workers cut two hemicycles into the Capitoline and Quirinal hills. In the holes, warehouses and shops were built, and many streets were formed (Hammond). Another example of Trajan building public buildings is Trajan’s Column. Trajan’s Column is an 126 feet tall Column that depicts the invasion and conquering of Dacia. There are thousands of figures telling the story of the Dacian War. The figures are fighting, sailing, building, and negotiating in all of the intricate scenes (Curry). In 117, when Trajan died, his ashes were transported to Rome and he was buried under the column (Hammond). Another example of Trajan building public buildings is Trajan’s Market. Trajan’s Market is a four-story, open air shopping mall built between 107 and 110 CE. It contained the main building, a covered market, small shop fronts, and a residential apartment building. The market was situated behind Trajan’s Forum and had many functions, mostly commercial. The bottom three levels housed many shops. The shops sold fruits, vegetables, fish, wine, oil,

Hadrian ruled the Roman Empire at the time it was considered the greatest empire in the history of the world. According to Elizabeth Speller, Hadrian was the first Roman Emperor who went beyond the common stereotype of good and bad Roman leaders (Speller 230-288). She describes his regime as that which had a wavering beginning, a celebrated middle and a disastrous ending. He is known for having made several travels and visiting almost all the provinces during his regime. However, his travels were not pleasure oriented but rather driven by his determination to see the Roman Empire get to the top by constantly keeping in check the discipline of the army around the provinces and ensuring that the provinces had the right administration. Being the fourteenth Roman Emperor, Hadrian is ranked third among the five best emperors who ever ruled the Roman Empire and emerged as the few leaders who ruled justly. Speller also cites his great public speaking ability and his excellent philosophical knowledge as some of the reasons which made him more powerful and projected his authority. Therefore, it is important to note that there are several attributes, deeds and projects that Hadrian used to project his authority and power.

When he was young, Hadrian was classically taught in his hometown of Italica Hispania (modern day Seville, Spain) and went to Rome at around 14 years old. His first military service was as Tribune under Emperor Nerva. When Nerva died, Trajan rose and took the throne. Emperor Trajan was the first Roman emperor who was born in a province, not Rome it self. Later biographers would attempt to place the birth of Trajan and Hadrian in the city of Rome but because both had Hispanic ethnicity this has been assumed by some to be the reason that Trajan adopted Hadrian as his successor (though scholars dispute this). Trajan died on campaign in Cilicia in 117 CE, while Hadrian was command of his rear guard, and he was not believed to have been named successor

The Dome of the Rock and the Pantheon are constructed similarly. The Dome of the Rock was even influenced by the Pantheon, built on a domed-central plan structure. While the two buildings look different in appearance, they have similar forms. They both contain geometric structures. In the front, the Pantheon has a porch, with a triangular top. Behind this porch is a cylinder base with a hemispherical dome

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 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

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.

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.

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