THE PANTHEON IN ROME

Introduction What similarities can you see to other temples studied? What differences can you see?

THE HISTORY OF THE PANTHEON The original Pantheon was built by Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC but burnt to the ground in 80 AD. It was then restored by Domitian only to burn down again in Trajan’s reign. Between AD Hadrian completely rebuilt the Pantheon from the foundations up.

Hadrian: Emperor AD

WHAT WAS THE PANTHEON ? It may have been a temple that was dedicated to many, or all, of the gods. OR the seven interior niches were occupied by statues of the planetary gods: Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Venus, Mars, the Sun and the Moon. OR EVEN the dome may have symbolised the heavens and thus had religious significance.

Original Setting Temple originally faced onto a paved piazza. Temple originally faced onto a paved piazza. Was surrounded on three sides by a portico. Was surrounded on three sides by a portico. Portico masked the awkward combination of rectangular entrance porch and round rotunda since it hid the rotunda walls from view. Portico masked the awkward combination of rectangular entrance porch and round rotunda since it hid the rotunda walls from view. Combination of colonnaded portico and entrance porch with entablature and pediment was deliberate reference to classical Greek architecture which Hadrian much admired. Combination of colonnaded portico and entrance porch with entablature and pediment was deliberate reference to classical Greek architecture which Hadrian much admired.

Reconstruction of original sanctuary

THE PANTHEON MAY BE BROKEN DOWN INTO THREE DISTINCT PARTS Note the three different sections on your handout 1. ENTRANCE PORCH 2. VESTIBULE 3. ROTUNDA

THE ENTRANCE PORCH The octastyle (8 columned) porch retains the traditional deep columned approach of Roman temples. Was approached by steps at front (North), now at street level. 16 un-fluted Corinthian columns in total. Each column is 12.5m high and 1.48m thick. Originally all columns were made from grey Egyptian granite, but 3 of the flanking columns were replaced with Egyptian red granite in 17 th Century. The Corinthian capitals were carved from Parian marble (from Greek island of Paros). Entablature also made from Parian marble. Pediment was originally filled with sculpture, possibly an eagle.

front row had eight The front row had eight granite columns with marble Corinthian capitals. two more rows of four columns Behind are two more rows of four columns. This creates three aisles with only one leading to the central doorway. side aisles The side aisles lead to large niches which held statues of Augustus and Agrippa. central doors The central doors are bronze. Doors were originally gilded.

THE VESTIBULE The vestibule solved the problem of how to join the porch to the rotunda. The vestibule solved the problem of how to join the porch to the rotunda. It was structurally important because it acted as a buttress (support) for the rotunda. It was structurally important because it acted as a buttress (support) for the rotunda. Behind both niches are rooms that contain staircases used to gain access to the upper levels of the building. Behind both niches are rooms that contain staircases used to gain access to the upper levels of the building.

THE VESTIBULE The top of the vestibule is visible as the rectangular wall that abuts the front face of the rotunda. The top of the vestibule is visible as the rectangular wall that abuts the front face of the rotunda. A false triangular pediment is visible on the front. A false triangular pediment is visible on the front. Some think this was meant to be the height of the entrance porch originally. Some think this was meant to be the height of the entrance porch originally. Vestibule ‘False’ pediment

THE ROTUNDA - CONSTRUCTION 44m high and about 56m diameter. 44m high and about 56m diameter. Very deep foundations: 4.5m deep and about 7m thick. Very deep foundations: 4.5m deep and about 7m thick. The rotunda walls are 6m thick and help support the dome. The rotunda walls are 6m thick and help support the dome. Windows above the second cornice let light into a passage way within the wall at this level. Windows above the second cornice let light into a passage way within the wall at this level.

ROTUNDA CONSTRUCTION Rotunda walls are made of brick-faced concrete. Rotunda walls are made of brick-faced concrete. Builders adjusted the materials, called aggregate, used in the making of the concrete: Lower parts are made of heavier matter; progressively lighter materials are used as the building rose. Builders adjusted the materials, called aggregate, used in the making of the concrete: Lower parts are made of heavier matter; progressively lighter materials are used as the building rose.  Foundation: concrete contained heavy travertine  Lower level of walls: mixture of travertine and the lighter tufa  Then tufa and brick as the walls rose  Then brick at higher level, and finally pumice (in the dome) Lower level (up to first cornice) originally faced with Pentellic marble (from Greece) Lower level (up to first cornice) originally faced with Pentellic marble (from Greece) Upper levels were covered in stucco and painted white to match the lower level. Upper levels were covered in stucco and painted white to match the lower level.

ROTUNDA BUILDING MATERIAL Image source:

ROTUNDA CONSTRUCTION Relieving arches were used to distribute weight down into EIGHT piers.

ROTUNDA CONSTRUCTION Arches were used extensively in the construction of the rotunda to distribute weight. Arches were used extensively in the construction of the rotunda to distribute weight. The diagram shows arches spanning the interior alcoves to provide structural integrity. The diagram shows arches spanning the interior alcoves to provide structural integrity.

ROTUNDA EXTERIOR - REAR The back of the rotunda was supported by buttressing walls. The back of the rotunda was supported by buttressing walls. They made have been part of the nearby Basilica of Neptune. They made have been part of the nearby Basilica of Neptune.

THE CORNICES The exterior wall rises in three levels, each marked by a projecting cornice: 8.5m for the third, 8.5m for the third, 9m for the second, 9m for the second, 13m for the first. 13m for the first.

These cornices all correspond to certain levels within the interior of the rotunda: FIRST CORNICE is aligned with the architrave over the ground-floor columns. FIRST CORNICE is aligned with the architrave over the ground-floor columns. SECOND CORNICE is on a level with the rows of panels and niches. SECOND CORNICE is on a level with the rows of panels and niches. THE THIRD CORNICE corresponds to the second level of coffers in the ceiling. THE THIRD CORNICE corresponds to the second level of coffers in the ceiling.

THE DOME – CONSTRUCTION This was not the first dome built by the Romans but its size was unique. This was not the first dome built by the Romans but its size was unique. IT WEIGHS 4500 METRIC TONS IT WEIGHS 4500 METRIC TONS It is a rotated arch and therefore requires no keystone as it is self-supporting. It is a rotated arch and therefore requires no keystone as it is self-supporting. Originally a concrete core faced with bricks. Originally a concrete core faced with bricks. Concrete was made progressively thinner towards top to reduce weight (from 6.4m at base of dome to 1.2m at Oculus) Concrete was made progressively thinner towards top to reduce weight (from 6.4m at base of dome to 1.2m at Oculus) Lighter weight materials were used in the dome as it got near to top; tufa and brick were replaced with pumice and brick. Lighter weight materials were used in the dome as it got near to top; tufa and brick were replaced with pumice and brick. Later covered with concrete and crushed brick making it impermeable. Later covered with concrete and crushed brick making it impermeable. Finally it was covered in bronze tiles (current lead roof is a restoration). Finally it was covered in bronze tiles (current lead roof is a restoration). It remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. It remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.

THE INTERIOR

PARTS OF THE INTERIOR The entrance, The entrance, Seven alcoves (alternately semi- circular and trapezoidal), Seven alcoves (alternately semi- circular and trapezoidal), The alcoves may have housed statues of the different deities. The alcoves may have housed statues of the different deities. Corinthian pilasters frame each alcove, and two Corinthian columns in antis fronted each alcove. Corinthian pilasters frame each alcove, and two Corinthian columns in antis fronted each alcove. Eight projecting pedimented niches, which also cut slightly into the wall. Eight projecting pedimented niches, which also cut slightly into the wall. Small semi-circular voids within the wall were left behind the eight niches (to help with drying the mass of concrete used in the wall?). It also helps to reduce the weight. Small semi-circular voids within the wall were left behind the eight niches (to help with drying the mass of concrete used in the wall?). It also helps to reduce the weight.

The interior columns and pilasters (square columns) helped support the weight of the dome. The interior columns and pilasters (square columns) helped support the weight of the dome. The second level of the interior consists of a row of rectangular niches and panels of marble. The second level of the interior consists of a row of rectangular niches and panels of marble.

INTERIOR ‘The interior space of the Pantheon is a lesson in mathematical and structural precision.’ Campbell, p85 ‘The interior space of the Pantheon is a lesson in mathematical and structural precision.’ Campbell, p85 The height from the floor to the top of the dome is exactly the same as the diameter of the drum (43.2m/141feet 8 inches) The height from the floor to the top of the dome is exactly the same as the diameter of the drum (43.2m/141feet 8 inches)

THE OCULUS AND CEILING The ceiling is coffered with five rows of recessed coffers which also decrease in size as it approaches the oculus (opening at top). The ceiling is coffered with five rows of recessed coffers which also decrease in size as it approaches the oculus (opening at top). The coffers help reduce the weight of the dome. The coffers help reduce the weight of the dome. The coffers had gilded rosettes to represent stars set on a blue background. The coffers had gilded rosettes to represent stars set on a blue background. The oculus was 9m in diameter and helps lighten the weight of the dome. The oculus was 9m in diameter and helps lighten the weight of the dome. It was the main source of light. It was the main source of light.

The five bands of coffers in the oculus taper as they go up. The five bands of coffers in the oculus taper as they go up. This creates an impression of distance and draws the viewers eye to the oculus. This creates an impression of distance and draws the viewers eye to the oculus. The ceiling of the dome was possibly meant to represent the heavens The ceiling of the dome was possibly meant to represent the heavens THE OCULUS

THE FLOOR There was a geometric decoration on the floor with its coloured marble circles and squares. There was a geometric decoration on the floor with its coloured marble circles and squares. Rain that came in through the oculus was drained off via small holes in the centre of the marble floor. Rain that came in through the oculus was drained off via small holes in the centre of the marble floor.

Pantheon – By the numbers Use the numbers below to revise aspects of the Pantheon. Add in other numbers that you can identify as representative of specific features. AD AD feet/43m 141feet/43m 8 (columns) 8 (columns) 16 (columns) 16 (columns) 7 (interior aspect) 7 (interior aspect) (list other numbers and describe the significance of each) (list other numbers and describe the significance of each)

Pantheon Revision - Key Terms Rotunda Rotunda Coffers Coffers Pilaster(s) Pilaster(s) Corinthian columns Corinthian columns Arches (relieving) Arches (relieving) Alcoves Alcoves Porch Porch Octastyle Octastyle Granite Granite Concrete Concrete Hadrian Hadrian Oculus Oculus Brick Brick Tufa Tufa Travertine Travertine Pumice Pumice Buttressing Buttressing Dome Dome Pantheon Pantheon Marcus Agrippa Marcus Agrippa

Question 1 One significant issue faced in the construction of the Pantheon was weight. One significant issue faced in the construction of the Pantheon was weight. Research and write a response that analyses in detail with supporting evidence how the issue of weight was addressed in the construction of the Pantheon. Research and write a response that analyses in detail with supporting evidence how the issue of weight was addressed in the construction of the Pantheon. In your research and response you should focus on the following aspects: In your research and response you should focus on the following aspects:  Foundation  Rotunda walls  Dome (both interior and exterior aspects  Supports

Question 2 “The interior of the Pantheon is one of ‘man’s rare masterpieces” (M Wheeler) “The interior of the Pantheon is one of ‘man’s rare masterpieces” (M Wheeler) Analyse in detail with supporting evidence features that make the interior of the Pantheon aesthetically pleasing. Analyse in detail with supporting evidence features that make the interior of the Pantheon aesthetically pleasing. You should make FIVE points in your response. You should make FIVE points in your response.

Question 3 Comparative question Many Roman temples were impressive from the outside, but it was the interior that created the most impact on the viewer. Many Roman temples were impressive from the outside, but it was the interior that created the most impact on the viewer. Analyse this idea in detail with reference to both the Temple of Bacchus at Baalbek and the Pantheon in Rome. You must analyse in detail with supporting evidence features of both the exterior and interior of both temples and how they may have impressed a viewer. Analyse this idea in detail with reference to both the Temple of Bacchus at Baalbek and the Pantheon in Rome. You must analyse in detail with supporting evidence features of both the exterior and interior of both temples and how they may have impressed a viewer.