120 AD
Pantheon, Rome Specifications:
The entire building consists of three parts : the dome (Rotunda), the
intermediate section and the front entrance porch which follows the
style of Greek rectangular temples. The dome is 43 metres high and
also has a diameter of 43m making it the largest dome in the world
until modern times
History:
The original Pantheon was destroyed in a fire around 80 A.D. It
was rebuilt by Emperor Domitian, only to be burned down again in
110 A.D. It was rebuilt in its present form by Emperor Hadrian
between 120 -124 AD
The Pantheon is an ancient Roman temple and is one of the temples
which has its history intact although the structure isn’t. It is known
for its excellent use of architectural styles and is one of the very few
well preserved monuments from the Roman era
Etymology:
Traditionally thought to have been designed as a temple for
Roman gods, the structure’s name is derived from the Greek
words pan, meaning “all,” and theos, meaning “gods.”So this An 1836 view of the Pantheon by Jakob Alt, showing twin bell
The interior of the Pantheon in the 18th
temple was a homage to all the gods towers, in place from early 17th to late 19th centuries.
century, painted by Giovanni Paolo
Panini.
Vishwajith K | Shashank Manohar
120 AD
Pantheon, Rome Dome :
Structure: The dome or the rotunda is an important aspect of the pantheon given
The pantheon consists of three distinctive parts: its influential style.
The portico, the intermediate section and the dome The dome has a hole at the top called the oculus which opens to the
Portico: sky
The portico of the pantheon is a symmetrical portion with three rows This is said to symbolize the bridge between heaven and earth. The
of corinthian columns - eight in the front and two rows of four, and dome is made of concrete , the thickness of which reduces as the dome
has a triangular pediment on top of it reaches a higher altitude
On the outside surface, there are a series of seven step- rings halfway
Intermediate portion: up the dome, and then the dome line changes into a circular line. On
There is a rectangular area behind the portico which acts as a the inside surface the dome contains a series of 5 bands made of
transitionary space from the portico to the rotunda, there is a also a waffle-like depressions called coffers. There are 140 coffers which
pediment on top of this part which acts as a “false pediment” due to its required special forming for the waffle shape. At mid-point the dome
incomplete nature contour changes from these coffers to a circular line.
Today, the Pantheon is a major
tourist destination for visitors
from around the world, while
continuing to function as a
church. Catholic mass is
regularly held there.
Section of the dome Plan and section of Pantheon Top part of the dome
Vishwajith K | Shashank Manohar
Bibliography
● Mark, R.; Hutchinson, P. (1986). "On the structure of the Pantheon".
● Dr. Khaled Mohamed Dewidar, “The Pantheon”
● Amelia Carolina Sparavigna,The Pantheon, eye of Rome, and its glimpse of the sky
Reference Links
https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-greece/pantheon
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/310597898_The_Pantheon
https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/Europe/Italy/Lazio/Roma/Rome/_Texts/PLATOP*/Pantheon.html
Image credits
The Pantheon - www.istockphoto.com
History of the Pantheon - www.wikipedia.com
Plan and sections of Pantheon - www.gettyimages.com
Oculus - www.wikipedia.com