Title: The Pantheon
Place of Origin: Rome, Italy Date: 125 CE Dimensions: 142 feet in diameter, 71 feet tall Materials: Concrete, brick The Pantheon is believed to have been constructed during the reign of the emperor Hadrian as a temple to all the gods. Recent scholars have debated the nature of the Pantheon’s construction and its exact purpose, but one thing remains certain: it has a clear connection to the cosmos. When one steps into the Pantheon, they are greeted by a perfectly circular interior space with a large domed ceiling. In the center of the dome is an oculus, which lets in light from the outside world. This oculus draws the viewer’s attention up to the cosmos and makes them think of divine power. The oculus reflects the movement of the heavens, with light from the sun coming in and moving across the room throughout the day. Magnificent architecture focusing on perfect geometry adorns the large room, further emphasizing the idea of divinity, power, and perfection. In addition to this, the Pantheon originally contained statues of gods and deified emperors. Here people could come to worship in a place that seemed truly divine. Even after the fall of the Roman empire, the Pantheon was turned into a Catholic church. Its connection to divinity and the cosmos remained strong. Today, the magnificent architecture of the Pantheon still serves as a representation of the cosmos on earth and captivates millions of tourists each year. Paul A. Ranogajec, "The Pantheon (Rome)," in Smarthistory, December 11, 2015, accessed December 9, 2019, https://smarthistory.org/the-pantheon/. |