Pantheon, Rome

Etymology and History: The name Pantheon means of, relating to, or common to all the gods in Ancient Greek. The concept of a temple dedicated to all the gods has been debated. The only definite pantheon recorded earlier than Agrippas was at Antioch in Syria. The origin of the name Pantheon has been speculated by different sources. The word Pantheon may have been a nickname rather than a formal name for the building. The Pantheon was part of a complex built by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa in 2919 BC. The building was likely Agrippas private sanctuary, not a public temple. The current Pantheon was not entirely built by Agrippa but underwent alterations. The Latin inscription on the temple facade credits Agrippa for the construction. Archaeological excavations revealed that the original Pantheon of Agrippa was destroyed. Architecture and Design: The Pantheon features a large circular domed cella with a temple portico front. The concrete dome of the Pantheon is the worlds largest unreinforced dome. The height to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are both 43 meters. The building has been wellpreserved due to continuous use throughout history. The Pantheon has been a church dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs since the 7th century. The Pantheon’s architecture features a perfect cube inscribed within a sphere. The dome’s dimensions are expressed in ancient Roman units of measurement. It holds the record for the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. The Pantheon is larger than earlier domes and does not require reinforcement. Legacy and Influence: The Pantheon became a standard exemplar in classical architecture. The term Pantheon has been applied to buildings honoring illustrious dead. The Pantheon influenced later architects who copied its design. The Pantheon in Rome is a popular tourist destination, visited by over six million people in 2013. The Pantheon is managed by Italy’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism. Medieval and Renaissance History: Byzantine emperor Phocas gave Pantheon to Pope Boniface IV in 609. Converted into a Christian church and consecrated to St. Mary and the Martyrs. Twentyeight cartloads of holy relics of martyrs placed beneath the high altar. Saved from abandonment and destruction during the Early Middle Ages. Important burials at Pantheon include Raphael, Annibale Carracci, Arcangelo Corelli, and Baldassare Peruzzi. Adorned with paintings in the 15th century. Modern Usage and Structure: Two kings of Italy buried in the Pantheon: Vittorio Emanuele II, Umberto I, and Queen Margherita. Monarchs of Italy of the House of Savoy were supposed to be buried there, but the monarchy abolished in 1946. The Pantheon functions as a Catholic church, hosting masses on Sundays and holy days. Weddings are occasionally held at the Pantheon. Originally approached by steps, later eliminated by raising the ground level. Pediment likely decorated with a gilded bronze eagle within a wreath. Design adjustments made due to logistical difficulties in receiving 50foot columns. Grey granite columns in the pronaos were quarried in Egypt and transported to Rome. Large bronze doors to the cella are the oldest in Rome.