Ancient Building Of Great Importance Pantheon Essay Example

Despite being in continuous use for two millennia, the Pantheon's entrance has undergone very little change, unlike London's Westminster Abbey which is constantly altered. The Pantheon's entrance is so iconic and influential that it has served as a design inspiration for many buildings worldwide, including the United States government buildings and numerous banking headquarters, as well as residential houses.

The Pantheon is closely associated with ancient Rome due to its distinctive design, particularly the domed half sphere roof. This architectural feature was a point of pride for the Romans and a cause of offense to the Greeks, who were unable to achieve the same level of dome building prowess. The Romans understood that high quality cement was the key to constructing the dome, unlike the Greeks. According to Robert and Hutchinson, Roman pozzolana, unlike simple mortar, chemically combines with water in a similar manner to modern Portland cement.

6 The combination of two Roman construction innovations, namely the use of concrete and coffering to create a lighter structure, enabled the construction of the dome in the Pantheon. The unique and groundbreaking design of this building raises the question of its purpose, which has been the subject of numerous theories throughout the years. In 1923, Arturo Graf proposed that the Pantheon was dedicated exclusively to Saturn, while in 1989, Gidangiacomo Martines argued that its dome represents ideal geometry. Another widely accepted belief is that the Pantheon served as a solar temple, which would have influenced its architectural design.

According to Robert Hannah, an expert from the University of Otago, the Pantheon may have had a purpose beyond being just a temple. Hannah's observations of the sun's interactions with

the Pantheon led him to believe that the building was designed to allow sunlight inside. The dome of the Pantheon has an oculus on top that allows a dramatic beam of sunlight to penetrate the interior. During the winter months, the noon sun's light traces a path across the domed roof. In the summer, when the sun is higher in the sky, the sunlight shines onto the lower walls and floor. At the equinoxes in March and September, the sunlight coming through the oculus strikes the junction between the roof and wall, specifically above the grand northern doorway of the Pantheon. There is a grille above this door that allows a small amount of light to enter the front courtyard. This is the only time that sunlight reaches this courtyard if the main doors are closed.

"9 It is possible that this is a simple coincidence, but Hannah disagrees. He points out that during Roman times, sundials were often in the shape of hollowed out domes, although they were much smaller than the Pantheon. Despite various convincing arguments, including Hannah's, there is no definite and unanimous agreement on the purpose of Rome's Pantheon. As stated by William MacDonald, "It will never be possible to say precisely what the Pantheon meant to Hadrian and his contemporaries." 10 However, as discussed in this essay, all commentators do agree on the immense impact the Pantheon has had on architecture."

With its ingenious dome made of cement and stunning granite columns at the entrance, the Pantheon has revolutionized architecture and construction methods. Its mysterious purpose adds to its powerful and enigmatic nature.