What is the history and architecture of the Pantheon in Rome?

The Pantheon in Rome is an ancient polytheistic temple that was originally constructed under the reign of Augustus and later reconstructed by the emperor Hadrian. It features a unique round plan with a massive concrete dome containing a central oculus open to the sky. Having survived nearly two thousand years largely intact, it has served as a Christian basilica since the seventh century.

What we know

• The original Pantheon was built on its site under the emperor Augustus and commissioned by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a close friend and general to Augustus. [2, 3]
• The present building was completed under the emperor Hadrian and likely dedicated around AD 126 after the original temple burned down. [3]
• The Pantheon's dome is the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome and features a central opening called an oculus. [3]
• Since AD 609, the building has operated as the Roman Catholic Basilica of Saint Mary and the Holy Martyrs. [3]

Still open

• The exact date of construction for Hadrian's reconstructed Pantheon is uncertain because Hadrian chose to re-inscribe the temple with Agrippa's original date inscription.

Where to go next

• whoWho was Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa?
• how it workedHow was Roman concrete used in ancient architecture?
• what caused itWhat caused the original Pantheon to be rebuilt?
• a case in pointWhat are other notable examples of ancient Roman architecture?
• compared withHow does the Pantheon compare to other classical temples?
• an unexpected connectionHow does a building dedicated to all gods connect to Christian history?Although constructed as a pagan polytheist temple for all gods, the Pantheon survived antiquity because it was consecrated as a Christian church.

Sources

• [1]Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa (Wikidata Q48174) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Pantheon, Rome · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Baths of Agrippa · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Pantheon (religion) · CC BY-SA 4.0