The most interesting part about this building is its perfect interior proportions. The Pantheon is a breathtaking work of engineering where its foundations and lower walls are built of solid staff, which slowly give way to lighter materials. Walk across the portico and through the massive bronze doors, it has a large space with a giant sphere of 150 Roman feet in diameter that envelops you beneath the largest dome in existence. The oculus, for instance, functions as a sundial. …show more content…
It was also built with adjoining baths and water gardens. The name of the Agrippa can still be seen inscription across the façade of the Pantheon. In fact, Pantheon was destroyed by fire in 80 AD and was damaged and required replacement except for some parts of the lower porch section and foundation.
In 118 AD, Emperor Hadrian redesigned the temple and added the impressive dome that the building is now known for. The building was later repaired by the emperors Septimius Severus and Caracalla in 202 AD before the Byzantine emperor Phocas gave the building to Pope Boniface IV who converted the Pantheon into the church of Ssanta Maria and Martyrs in 609 AD. The building consecration as a church saved it from the abandonment and spoliation which befell the majority of ancient Rome’s buildings during the early mediaeval period.
The reason we chose Pantheon as our topic is not simply because of the beauty and design of the architecture but the history of the Pantheon that make it so special. It has withstood the ravages of both the elements and war permitting a firsthand view of unique product constructed by Roman hands. It still amazed us how the Pantheon managed to survive barbarian raids when all the Roman monuments had been shattered while Pantheon still intact with its splendor and