Pantheon (September 13, 2024) (Grade 5, Language Arts)

The History of the Pantheon

            The Pantheon was built in 27 BCE by Marcus Agrippa as a temple. ^[1] Soon after, in 80 CE a second building was built by Emperor Domitian, due to the first building burning down. It was then rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian circa 126 CE, due to the second building burning down. ^[2] It has been almost completely preserved ever since. In addition, Hadrian’s building honored Agrippa by carving the text: “M AGRIPPA L F COS TERTIVM FECIT,” meaning, “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, thrice Consul, built this.” ^[3] However, its status as a temple was removed in 608 CE, when Pope Boniface IV transferred many remains of Christian martyrs in catacombs to the Pantheon. Afterwards, it became a church named Saint Maria ad Martyres, and remains so to this day. ^[4] It also remains a popular tourist attraction in Rome. 

 

The Pantheon: Measurements and Materials

            The Pantheon is a large building. Its measurements were 142 feet (43 meters) in diameter. It is built with mortar in concrete, basalt, brick, tufa, and pumice. The drum of the walls is strengthened by brick arches and piers, stacked above each other inside the walls, 20 feet (6 meters) thick. The building is lit by the oculus, or “eye” (can be interpreted as a “window”), which is 27 feet (8 meters) wide. But most famous is its dome, using Corinthian columns used as support for a gabled roof with triangular pediment. Overall, the Pantheon is a prodigious and exquisite building, which explains its popularity as a tourist attraction. ^[5]

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^[1] Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Pantheon". Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Aug. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pantheon-building-Rome-Italy. Accessed 12 September 2024.

^[2] Pwpadmin. “Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day….” Gray Line - I Love Rome, 6 Mar. 2023, graylinerome.com/rome-wasnt-built-day.

^[3] Ranogajec, Paul A. Smarthistory – the Pantheon (Rome). smarthistory.org/the-pantheon.

^[4] Pantheon di Roma. “History and Curiosities I Pantheon in Rome.” Pantheon Rome, 16 Nov. 2023, www.pantheonroma.com/pantheon-history/#:~:text=The%20history%20of%20the%20Pantheon%20in%20rome&text=Built%20by%20Agrippa%20between%2025,between%20118%20and%20125%20AD.

^[5] Ibid #1.