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Contents
Tracing Rome Pantheon history from 27 BC to present day
Roman Pantheon history explained
Construction and destruction
27 BC - 80 AD
The Pantheon's construction began in 27 BC under the direction of Marcus Agrippa, a prominent Roman statesman. The original structure featured a rectangular temple with a portico and a traditional gabled roof. However, in 80 AD, disaster struck as a massive fire ravaged the Pantheon, reducing it to ruins. The cause of the fire remains uncertain, but it led to the need for a complete reconstruction of the Pantheon in the years that followed.
Reconstruction under Emperor Hadrian
118-125 AD
Between 118 and 125 AD, under the skilled craftsmanship of Roman architects and engineers, the Pantheon emerged as a remarkable architectural marvel. Emperor Hadrian's design included a massive concrete dome with a diameter of 43.3 meters (142 feet), making it one of the largest domes in the world at the time.
Read more about what makes the Pantheon dome unique
Conversion to a Christian church
609 AD
In the early 7th century, during the reign of Pope Boniface IV, the Pantheon was transformed into a Christian church. Boniface IV consecrated the building as the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs, repurposing it for Christian worship. This conversion signaled the dominance of Christianity within the Roman Empire.
Papal interference and subsequent damage
17th century
During the 17th century, Pope Urban VIII ordered the removal of bronze from the Pantheon's portico to make cannons for Castel Sant'Angelo's defense. This caused irreparable damage to the structure, resulting in the loss of some features, like the bronze roof tiles. This act of papal interference significantly altered the appearance of the Pantheon.
Restoration and preservation
1747
In 1747, the Pantheon faced another calamity when lightning struck its dome. The impact caused severe damage to the interior, including the collapse of a large section of the ceiling. Subsequent restoration efforts were carried out to repair the damage and preserve the historical significance of the Pantheon.
Unification and recognition
1870 onwards
With the unification of Italy in 1870, the Pantheon became a symbol of national pride and unity. The building's incorporation into the Kingdom of Italy highlighted its significance as an architectural masterpiece of the Roman Empire. The Pantheon's status as a national treasure reinforced the idea of Italy as a unified nation.
The historic tombs of the Rome Pantheon
The tombs in the Roman Pantheon are historically relevant as they reflect its transformation from a pagan temple to a Christian church. This transition mirrors the evolving religious and cultural landscape of ancient Rome, making the tombs a poignant symbol of these changes.
Architecturally and historically speaking, both churches and tombs follow adhere to the principle of circularity. It's no wonder then, that the Pantheon acts as both church and tomb, its rotunda offering space for both prayer and salvation.
Notable figures interred at the Rome Pantheon
- Raphael: One of Italy’s most decorated artists, Raphael, found his final resting place in the hallowed Pantheon, where his remains lie beneath Lorenzetto’s sculpture of the Madonna del Sasso.
- Annibale Caracci: Another famous painter from Bologna, Caracci, was credited with introducing Roman Baroque painting at the end of the 16th century. His realistic approach also influenced Roman art over the centuries. He was buried beside Raphael.
- King Vittorio Emanuele II: Known as the ‘Padre Della Patria’ or Father of the Homeland, King Emanuele II was the first king of unified Italy in the 19th century. The sculpture of Roma inside the Pantheon watches over his tomb.
- Umberto I: Successor of King Emanuele, his tomb is a giant slab of porphyry decorated with marble heads. His wife, Margherita, is also buried in the same tomb.
- Baldassare Peruzzi: Best known for designing and decorating Villa Farnesina, Peruzzi was an accomplished architect and painter who was a contemporary of Raphael. He is also interred in the rotunda, next to Raphael’s tomb.
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Frequently asked questions about Roman Pantheon history
What is the historical significance of Roman Pantheon?
The Rome Pantheon is a symbol of Rome's changing religious inclinations, from ancient temple to present-day church. It also houses several notable tombs and monuments, including the tomb of Raphael, the renowned Italian Renaissance painter. Other notable individuals memorialized there include King Victor Emanuele II of Italy and his successor, Umberto I.
Who built the Rome Pantheon?
Originally constructed by Marcus Agrippa in 27 AD, it was destroyed by a fire. The construction of the Rome Pantheon as we know today is traditionally attributed to the architect Apollodorus of Damascus during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, around 126 AD.
How old is the Rome Pantheon?
The Rome Pantheon is nearly 2000 years old, and has been in almost continuous use throughout its existence. This is in contrast to its contemporaries, like the Colosseum. Hadrian's reconstruction of the Pantheon was meant to offer the Roman people a monument they could be proud of, and two millennia later, his wish continues to remain fulfilled.
What was the original purpose of the Rome Pantheon?
The Rome Pantheon was originally built as a temple to all the gods of ancient Rome. It was meant to be a place of worship and prayer for the people of Rome, as well as a court for the emperor to conduct meetings and address his subjects.
What happened to the Rome Pantheon after the fall of the Roman Empire?
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Rome Pantheon was converted into a Christian church in the 7th century. It has been used as a church ever since, which is one reason why it has been so well-preserved over the centuries.
What happened to the Rome Pantheon during the Renaissance?
During the Renaissance, the Rome Pantheon became a popular subject for artists and architects. It was studied and imitated by many Renaissance architects, and its design influenced many later buildings. The Renaissance also saw the addition of several important artworks to the Pantheon, including the tomb of the artist Raphael.
Has the Rome Pantheon ever been renovated or restored?
Yes, the Rome Pantheon has been renovated and restored several times over the centuries. In the 7th century, when it was converted into a church, the original pagan statues were removed and replaced with Christian artwork. In the 17th century, the facade of the Pantheon was restored and given a new coat of paint. More recently, in the 21st century, the Pantheon underwent a major restoration project to repair damage caused by water infiltration and aging.
What kind of materials were used to build the Rome Pantheon?
The Rome Pantheon was built primarily out of concrete, which was a new building material at the time. The dome of the Pantheon is made of concrete that was poured in layers, each layer getting progressively lighter as it went higher. The exterior of the Pantheon is faced with marble, and the interior features marble floors, columns, and statues.
Is the Rome Pantheon still an active place of worship?
Yes, the Rome Pantheon is still an active church. Masses are held there regularly, and visitors are welcome to attend. Despite its status as a tourist attraction, the Pantheon remains an important religious site for the people of Rome.
Are there any famous figures buried inside the Rome Pantheon?
Yes, the Pantheon serves as the final resting place for several notable figures. One of the most renowned is the artist Raphael, who is buried in a tomb inside the building. Others include the first king of unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II and his successor, Umberto I.
