The pantheon, one of the largest technology feats, was built in the time of hadrian, the emperor known for his renowned wall amongst other things, around 125 ad.
This marvellous edifice has stood the test of time. While other monuments of the earth crumbled, the pantheon stands intact today, thanks to the scintillating and brilliant design and technology skillfulness of those responsible for this strikingly excellent monument. Structurally the pantheon has an majestic and imposing entrance, constructed in the shape of a rectangle. The classic greek influence is apparent in the granite pillars that bear a triangular pediment.
The entrance leads into a rotunda, topped by a dome. The entrance to the circular space has three rows of corinthian pillars. Of these, eight are constructed in front, followed by eight more in two sets. This mighty and majestic rectangular entrance takes you into the rotunda.
That the circular structure ought to be competent to hold up a 142-foot diameter dome for so some centuries stands as evidence of the sound architectural psychological result of perception, learning and reasoning, the arrangement and combining of means and materials utilized and the rapidity and precision to which the construction was carried out. At the centre of the dome is an opening called the oculus. This amusive and clever idea not only allows light to enter the structure, but similarly assists disseminate the weight equally. There is one drawback: the rain too has free access to the interior.
That too was catered for by sloping the floor in the direction of the drains. Every appearance of the building was penned and planned cautiously. The design of the steps is evenly awesome. They are tapered in such a way that the base, which is 20 feet in thickness, is heavier than the top.
The steps decrease in weight until they reach the oculus, where they weigh fewer and are just 7. 5 feet thick. Unusual as it can seem this brainwave of the architects involved was not picked up by future builders. Handicapped even though the builders were in those days, without the vantage of machines and high rapidity and precision instruments, yet they were competent to erect a monument that has stood for closely 2000 years.
Beside, transportation was not innovative. The only way they could move the means and materials was thru the river tiber. On land, the building material would have to be placed on carts and dragged by man or beast to the internet-location. The special and noteworthy thing regarding the pantheon is that accept for the restoration of its massive bronze doors, no major fix work has been carried out on the structure, in spite of it having been built on marshy soil.
In examination and comparison, the leaning tower of pisa has undergone some renovations, in efforts to keep it from collapsing. The soft ground on which it was built has been blamed for this. Copies have been attempted of the pantheon. The reading room at the british museum, as similarly the rotunda, named for thomas jefferson in the university of virginia are examples.
Nonetheless, the pantheon transcends each reproduction made of it in concordance and beauty and structural taste and elegance. The pantheon has at all times been put to good use. Some renowned individuals including monarchs have been engulfed and buried there. From the eighth century to the present day, the pantheon has been utilized as a church.
If you do get an time and probability to visit rome, put the pantheon on the top of your ‘must see’ list. It is well worth the solution and venture. .