The new temple was designed by the architects Iktinos and Kallikrates. Its sculptures, supervised by the Athenian statesman Pericles, were primarily created by the Greek sculptor Phidias; his assistants were Agorakritos, Alkamenes, and Kolotes. The Parthenon is regarded as one of the most significant ancient Greek cultural monuments.
The Parthenon was damaged or destroyed multiple times by wars, fires, earthquakes, and acts of iconoclasm. Much of the surviving sculptures are displayed at the Acropolis Museum in Athens, while a few remain in the British Museum in London, following their removal in the early 19th century.
The temple of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and well-preserved ancient Roman structures. It was primarily built in the early 2nd century CE during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. The Pantheon's design incorporated revolutionary architectural elements and engineering techniques that set it apart from previous Roman structures.
Here is a more detailed account of the construction process of the Pantheon in Rome:
Initial Design and Purpose:
- The original building was believed to have been constructed during the reign of Marcus Agrippa, Emperor Augustus's son-in-law, around 27 BCE. During this phase, the Pantheon was known as "Old Pantheon" or "Primus Pantheon." However, it was destroyed in a fire during Nero's reign in CE 64.
- Emperor Hadrian commissioned the construction of a new Pantheon as a temple dedicated to all gods (Pantheion in Greek), making it the first public temple in ancient Rome to honor this concept.
Architecture:
- Hadrian, believed to have been an architect himself, was credited with designing the new Pantheon.
- The Pantheon's design was revolutionary and unlike any other Roman structure built at the time. It featured a cylindrical structure topped with a dome, an architectural engineering accomplishment that set a new standard.
Building Materials:
- The Pantheon's construction involved innovative building materials and techniques.
- The foundation of the Pantheon was made from concrete made of volcanic ash, lime, and tufa, providing it with exceptional strength.
- The massive dome of the Pantheon was made from a lightweight concrete mix that incorporated volcanic ash and pumice, allowing it to support its weight without extensive interior supports.
Construction Phases:
- The construction of the new Pantheon began around CE 118.
- The building project was a complex undertaking, requiring skilled architects, engineers, craftsmen, and laborers.
- The rotunda (the cylindrical base topped by the dome) of the Pantheon was built first, followed by the pronaos (the porch) and the pediment (the triangular section above the pronaos).
- The building was finally completed in CE 134.
Unique Features:
- The Pantheon's dome is its defining feature. Measuring 43.3 meters (142 feet) in diameter, it was the largest dome constructed up until that point in history.
- The oculus (the round opening at the top of the dome) allows natural light to flood the interior, creating an awe-inspiring effect.
- The interior of the Pantheon was adorned with high-end marble facing and polychromatic marble floors, reflecting the lavish materials used in its decoration.
Significance and Legacy:
- The Pantheon is a testament to the advancement of Roman architecture and engineering during Hadrian's rule.
- Its architectural elements and engineering principles would later influence the grand buildings of the Renaissance period and beyond, making the Pantheon an iconic architectural reference.
The Parthenon in Athens and the Pantheon in Rome, while both significant structures in their respective civilizations, are different in their history and purpose. The Parthenon was a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, while the Pantheon was a Roman temple honoring various deities.