Pantheon, << PAN thee on, >> is a well-preserved ancient temple in the center of Rome. It was completed under the rule of the Roman emperor Hadrian about A.D. 126. Hadrian dedicated the temple to all the Roman gods. Its name comes from the Greek word pantheion, which means place for all gods. The temple served as a Christian church from 609 until 1885. It then became a national shrine and the burial place for Italian national heroes. Famous Italians buried there include King Victor Emmanuel I and the Renaissance painter Raphael.
The Pantheon was constructed largely of brick and concrete. It is a circular building that measures about 142 feet (43 meters) in diameter. It has a dome roof that rises about 142 feet (43 meters) above the floor at its highest point. A rectangular portico (porch) extends from the entrance of the building. The portico has a triangular roof that is supported by a row of eight Corinthian columns. Many of the engineering techniques used to build the Pantheon are still used today.
Loading the player...Pantheon
The Pantheon was one of the first buildings to emphasize interior space rather than exterior form. The interior is beautifully and evenly lit by an oculus (opening) that measures 30 feet (9 meters) in diameter at the top of the dome. The proportions of the central space have been highly praised for their harmony. The bronze doors at the entrance and some of the marble used in the interior decoration are part of the original construction of the Pantheon.
