Located in Rome, Italy, the Pantheon was built by Marcus Agrippa and designed by Apollodorus of Damascus in 125 AD. The Pantheon has always had a rich connection to the divine as it was formerly a Roman temple dedicated to gods of pagan Rome and currently stands …show more content…
Emperor Hadrian, the ruler during the time the Pantheon was built, contributes to many of the Pantheons aspects. “In the tenth year he lost his father … he immersed himself rather enthusiastically in Greek studies – in fact he was so attracted in this direction that some people used to call him a ‘little Greek.’” Additionally, from 124 to 125 AD, Hadrian was traveling to Greece, interested in their society and its values. Many features of the pantheon, such as the 16 Corinthian columns located at the front of the building are examples of the Greek style being evident in Roman architecture. The word ‘Pantheon’ is directly derived from the Ancient Greek ‘Pantheion’ meaning "of, relating to, or common to all the gods". These parts of the Pantheon were clearly influenced by Hadrian and his deep devotion to Greece. Around 600 AD, numerous barbaric raids destroyed Ancient Roman monuments, however, the consecration of the Pantheon into the church saved it, showing the people’s deep devotion to …show more content…
As a notable symbol of the Roman Empire, the Pantheon displays breakthrough architectural ideas, important historical events, and the people’s dedication to religion. The Pantheon has revolutionized modern architecture; its defining features, the dome, and Oculus can be seen in famous buildings all around the world, most evident in the White House, the Jefferson Memorial, and the University of Virginia Rotunda. The history and background of the Roman Empire influenced the physical architecture and the purpose of the Pantheon. Emperor Hadrian and his devotion to Greece led to Greek ideals present, such as proportion and geometric features found in the rotunda. By consecrating The Pantheon into a church, the monument became protected form barbaric riads and hence still stands today. As a church and former temple, the Pantheon has a rich connection to the divine, showing the Roman people’s ideal for religion. The Pantheons physical structure, rich history, and importance to the people has been time-tested and true; The Pantheon continues to exemplify the Ancient Roman Empire’s