The Pantheon in Rome is one of the most impressive and well-crafted domes ever built. This structure is a remarkable subject of study and admiration due to its remarkable ingenuity, superiority in its environment, and groundbreaking architectural design. Overcoming significant technical challenges, meticulous attention to detail was required for its construction.
Over the course of history, the challenges encountered by designers, architects, and builders have captivated individuals interested in advancements in building technology and dome architecture. Despite the constraints posed by limited techniques and materials during that era, the immense scale and meticulousness of these buildings remain awe-inspiring. The extensive planning and careful consideration invested in conceptualizing and erecting these architectural marvels highlight remarkable skillfulness and ingenuity.
The Pantheon and its Dome have withstood time, remaining as a quintessential example of Dome architecture. To truly appreciate the grandeur of the Pantheon, one must consider its formal qualities. The overall form of the Pantheon consists of geometric and volumetric shapes, including triangles, rectangles, cylinders, and spheres when observing the structure in its most basic state.
When exploring different forms within the Pantheon, one discovers a multitude of intricate details and complexities. An example of this is the entablature above the columns, which contains a collection of relief sculptures. Each sculpture possesses its own distinct set of formal qualities. Among the various forms in the Pantheon, the most remarkable one is undeniably the half sphere that forms the dome atop the rotunda. The enormity of the dome inspires a feeling of reverence and appreciation, leaving observers in awe of its monumental size when inside the structure.
The Pantheon’s exterior fascia features primarily earth-toned colors, while its interior showcases a wider range of colors derived from natural materials. The building’s age of nineteen hundred years has caused some dullness in the colors due to weathering from the elements. Nevertheless, the color(s) of the Pantheon still complement the function of the structure.
The interior of the rotunda in the Pantheon features reddish-grey marble columns that contribute to the building’s spiritual atmosphere and add diversity to its design. There are plenty of textures to be discovered within the Pantheon, provided that the viewer knows where to look. On the outside, the building displays a rough and slightly rocky texture, which can be observed in both the bricks of the rotunda and the attached portico. Over time, the columns have also acquired a somewhat rough exterior, likely due to the passage of time since the completion of the structure.
Despite the diverse textural qualities of the materials used in the Pantheon, such as smooth marble columns and varying textures of igneous and metamorphic rocks, the building’s size is undeniably massive. The dome’s oculus measures twenty-eight feet in diameter, while the entire dome spans a diameter of one hundred forty-two feet. Given its purpose, it is reasonable that this structure occupies a considerable amount of space.
The massive qualities of the Pantheon encourage contemplation and curiosity in the viewer. The composition of the Pantheon, which combines two joined buildings, may seem strange to some. However, this combination creates a pleasing and balanced work of art through the use of various compositional elements. The building is symmetrical and evenly split down the middle.
The Pantheon, built by Emperor Hadrian in 118-125 AD, is considered the basis for all large area dome structures throughout the history of dome architecture. Its impressive eminence is achieved through symmetry, making it a significant architectural influence. Often referred to as an architectural “point zero” and a “fountainhead of influence,” the Pantheon is believed to be a structure dedicated to all gods (Dio)
The Pantheon is said to have gotten its name from the numerous statues dedicated to the gods that were placed around the building. While this original purpose of the Pantheon holds a certain romantic charm, as time went on (particularly after Christianity became widespread in Italy), the building lost some of its religious significance and was used as a market for poultry. However, it is the history of the Pantheon’s structure itself that truly highlights its importance. The completion of the Pantheon had a lasting impact and served as a benchmark for many other dome structures that exist today.
The Romans’ manipulation of materials in the construction of the Pantheon remains unmatched to this day, despite the passage of almost two thousand years. The Pantheon is a dome structure of enormous size and significance, which has had a profound impact on Western architectural history (Fazio, Moffett, and Lawrence). It is important to note that the Pantheon was originally built as a temple to honor the pagan gods of ancient Rome (Alcott).
Hadrian recognized the immense task at hand and believed that showcasing his imperial power through architecture was the best approach. The Roman Empire spanned a vast territory and faced challenges in sustaining itself, but Hadrian ingeniously incorporated elements from different locations to reconstruct the Pantheon. As the name suggests, the Pantheon was dedicated to multiple gods and also functioned as a sundial with an oculus opening at the top of the dome. Driven by his belief in pagan deities, Hadrian aimed to construct a magnificent edifice that would symbolize the divine influence of the gods on the Roman Empire.
In fact, during Hadrian’s reign, there were many architectural feats that were unprecedented and had never been tried before (Dio). One notable example of this can be seen in his villa near Rome, where he allowed his royal architects to have great freedom in designing various innovative structural forms. The Pantheon is widely recognized as the source of inspiration for all subsequent domed structures throughout history. When contemplating the Pantheon, several key aspects highlight the enormity of the project. The most significant fact is that the Pantheon still holds the distinction of being the largest concrete dome without reinforcement in the world (Benedetti).
According to Benedetti, the Pantheon predates most of its surroundings and serves as a great example for modern architects. It showcases the limitations of a single building material and provides inspiration for architectural perseverance. The Romans achieved the impressive dome structure by strategically using less dense layers of aggregate in their concrete mixture. Additionally, the Pantheon was constructed using a variety of materials, some of which were transported from distant locations.
The ancient temple aimed to emotionally move and influence all those who entered with its use of rare stones and elements. Granite, quarried from northern Egypt and transported at great expense, was used to create the columns (Scaife). Bronze tiles adorned the ceiling of the pantheon, while a mixture of concrete and varying sizes of aggregate formed the dome. The statues inside the structure were made of marble (Scaife). Every material utilized in completing the pantheon had a specific purpose.
Some of the dome structures were designed for functionality and others for ornamentation. The dome itself is tapered in size to reduce weight and stress on the surrounding walls. The base of the dome starts with six meters of concrete and gradually reduces to two meters of concrete at the oculus, providing support for the structural integrity of the dome. Fazio, Moffett, and Lawrence also explain that the Pantheon relieves stress and dead load by coffering the ceiling.
By reducing the weight of the roof structure, the coffering enabled the dome to occupy a significant amount of volume and space. Within the initial two sets of ceiling coffers, there are eight arches that concentrate the weight onto the surrounding walls. These sections were intentionally left empty to assist in balancing the contraction of the concrete during the hardening process (Fazio, Moffett, and Wodehouse). This technique was employed by the Romans in order to transfer a considerable amount of stress to the foundation, ensuring that the dome remained unaffected by its own mass.
The pantheon’s location and style are evidence of its significance when Emperor Hadrian completed it. It is situated in the heart of Rome, close to the imperial palace, coliseum, and Circus Maximus, emphasizing its emotional weight and importance to Emperor Hadrian (Meeks). The proximity to these other remarkable Roman structures aligns with the Emperor’s vision of constructing a magnificent building worthy of admiration.
The Pantheon, initially constructed as a temple for the pagan deities of Rome, was strategically positioned in the heart of the city to ensure convenient access for its inhabitants. Throughout history, the Pantheon underwent a transformation into a Christian place of worship due to Christianity’s rising prominence. It is worth mentioning that the dome of the Pantheon continues to hold distinction as the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built.
Despite changes in its posterity over the millennia, the Pantheon has maintained a theologically charged purpose, rather than a secular one. Initially built for the pagan deities of Rome, this purpose was enforced by Emperor Hadrian. Interestingly, considering Hadrian’s disapproval of Judaism and Christianity, the Pantheon was eventually converted into a Christian establishment. The distinctive style of the Pantheon has played a significant role in solidifying its status as a noteworthy architectural marvel.
The Pantheon adheres mostly to the principles of classical architecture (Mark and Hutchinson). The columns on the portico are Corinthian in design. The façade of the Pantheon bears evident influence from ancient Greek architecture. However, the slope of the roof on the portico is notably steeper than that of contemporary buildings. This aspect is not credited to Hadrian’s influence on the structure, as Marcus Agrippa was the original architect of the current portico.
The rotunda of the existing pantheon was undertaken by Hadrian and joined together as one. Despite following some classic architectural formats, the building was entirely unprecedented when completed. The Pantheon’s enhancements and decorative, as well as functional, features have created an intriguing structure that requires attention to detail. One example is the oculus, which is remarkably large at nine meters wide, providing a circle of light that illuminates key areas of the interior space throughout the day.
The Pantheon’s dome has a diameter that matches the height of the building precisely, measuring forty-three and three tenths meters, allowing for a perfect sphere to fit inside. Additionally, there is no covering like glass or cupola structure obstructing the oculus, exposing the interior to the elements. Rainfall affects the inside of the Pantheon, but thanks to the clever floor design, the liquid is efficiently drained without relying on mechanical or pneumatic pumps.
The Pantheon achieves this task through the use of four different types of marble on its surface, which has a curved shape. This design allows rainwater to easily flow into a series of drainage holes. These small but highly functional details contribute to the Pantheon’s status as a timeless architectural masterpiece. Another factor that reinforces this is the presence of the extremely large bronze doors on the building’s facade. The Pantheon is Rome’s most well-preserved structure from ancient times, and its exterior remains largely unaltered, including the original doors.
The front portico of the Pantheon dominates the Piazza della Rotonda but was “given space to breathe” (bernedetti). To complete the Pantheon, Rome imported many exotic materials, including Egyptian granite. These materials were used to create the sixteen columns that adorn the portico and provide structural support for the facade (Bernedetti). Despite the passing of almost two hundred centuries, the Pantheon has stood the test of time and remains intact.
Despite being seen by some critics as a rushed construction for a politically motivated occasion involving Emperor Hadrian (as stated by Norman Hammondin), the Pantheon’s significance will endure for years to come due to its incorporation of numerous architectural principles. Hammondin also notes that unlike other renowned Roman buildings, the Pantheon was never commemorated on specific forms of currency. While the complete truth behind the Pantheon’s origins and inauguration may never be fully disclosed, the structure will always serve as a magnificent testament to ancient architectural design.
Although the Pantheon is undeniably brilliant, it was influenced by other noteworthy structures. One such structure is the octagonal room of the Domus Aurea (see figure 1), which existed around 70 CE according to Eusebius. This plain-looking structure clearly inspired the grandeur and elegance of Emperor Hadrian’s Pantheon. Both structures have a round room supported by a dome.
The Domus Aurea is not as large as the Pantheon’s dome, but it is still a noteworthy structure, especially for its role in inspiring the Pantheon. Both the Domus Aurea and the Pantheon have open air oculi that are similar. While these two structures have notable similarities, they serve different purposes. The Domus Aurea was built by Nero as a luxurious residence for himself, while the Pantheon was constructed to pay tribute to the seven deities of Rome.
The Pantheon is renowned for its exceptional dome architecture, marking a remarkable achievement in the ancient Roman world. The dome atop the rotunda captivates those who behold it, from its grand size to intricate details like the coffers. The unparalleled feat of constructing such a massive, unreinforced dome continues to astonish and inspire even today (Fazio, Moffet and Wodehouse).
The presence of the Pantheon in a historically significant region of Europe is no accident. The Romans’ architectural skills demonstrate their deep understanding, creativity, and ability to adapt building methods and concepts to advance architecture. The ambitious nature of this project reflects the expertise of the designers, architects, and builders involved in its construction. Modern psychology suggests that humans are inherently drawn to the concept of a symmetrical circle.
Evidence of the development of various configurations, such as the first wheel and Buddhist monks constructing mandalas, shows the presence of dome architecture. The Pantheon captures the essence of this structure with its seemingly perfect symmetry of the hemispherical dome. Remarkably, for almost two thousand years, the Pantheon has stood as the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world of architecture. Despite dome architecture being prominent in modern architectural history, the Pantheon continues to serve as the foundation for influential dome architecture.
