Roman Pantheon Facts
There are several reason why the Roman Pantheon is one of the most popular sights in Italy. Below you will learn what those reasons are and many other facts about the Roman Pantheon. The list below contains interesting information about this famous ancient roman architecture. For example, it was built in a place where Roman legend says the founder of Rome died and was carried to heaven by an eagle. For anyone who is planning a trip to Rome, with or without kids, this is a must see sight. A great time to visit is on Sundays when you can even go to Mass there.Roman Pantheon General Facts
- The Pantheon was built by Marcus Agrippa, a Roman general, deputy emperor and statesman who also built the Basilica of Neptune and the Laconian sudatorium.
- The original Pantheon was built between 27 B.C. and 25 B.C. but was largely destroyed by fire two times just thirty years apart.
- Roman Emperor Domitian had the Pantheon rebuilt in 80 A.D. after the first fire. Emperor Hadrian had the building rebuilt after the second fire, making it look much as it does today.
- The Piazza della Rotonda is the rectangular shaped area in front of the Pantheon and the Fontana del Pantheon is the name of the fountain in the middle of the piazza.
- The name Pantheon is two Greek words (pan and teon) put together and means everything divine.
- Many famous Italian people have been buried at the Pantheon including Italian kings, queens and painters.
- No one knows exactly what type of worship the Pantheon was originally built for, but it has been used as a Roman Catholic church since 608 AD.
- Not only is the Pantheon the best preserved structure in all of Rome with the biggest concrete dome, but it has also the most duplicated structure from ancient history.
- It is said that even Michelangelo could not believe the complexity and beauty of the Pantheon's design and called the building angelic. He felt it was too wondrous to have been created by man.
Roman Pantheon Structural Facts
- The circular shape of the Pantheon is made up of a total of 16 large granite columns beneath an impressive pediment. Only the entry way is rectangular.
- The heaviest materials were used at the bottom of the Pantheon's dome and the lightest were used at the top in an attempt to balance the weight of the dome. A combination of travertine, tufa, brick and pumice were used.
- It is believed that the intricate marble floor inside the Pantheon is part of the original ancient Pantheon.
Roman Pantheon Dome Facts
- There is an open center at the middle point of the Pantheon's dome called an oculus which allows light to enter.
- In the making of the Pantheon's dome, it is believed that an expensive wooden scaffolding system was set up to reach the higher elevations.
- With a 142 foot (43.3 meter) diameter, the Pantheon has the distinction of having the world's largest unreinforced dome made out of concrete.
ANCIENT ROME HISTORY FACTS