Roman Pantheon

Term Paper # 59562

Architecture > Ancient
Art > History
History > European

Roman Pantheon

An historical and architectural overview of the Roman Pantheon, focusing on the builders, the techniques, and the scientific and mathematical symmetry of the building.

2,823 words () | 7 sources | MLA | 2005 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper tracks the origins of the Roman Pantheon from its conception in antiquity to modern-day times. It describes its purpose and functions, changes in architectural structure, and its unique building techniques. The latter part of the paper describes its novel uses throughout time in mathematical and scientific innovations.

From the Paper:

"The period of antiquity now viewed as Ancient Rome was privy to a plethora of building construction. The glory of the Forum, the vastness of the Coloseum, and the intricacies of the Baths of Caracalla are now considered marvel relics, but all pale in comparison to the architectural wonder of the Pantheon. The building brings together the grandeur of the world and the wonder of the cosmos; adhering the two in a cutting edge and unique manner. The stately and overbearing monument has undergone many transformations through antiquity, often changing both shape and function. The function of the Pantheon is still a source of current debate among scholars, with arguments ranging from a temple to Augustus to an intricate sundial. While the controversy might never come to a conclusion, the exact scientific and mathematical precision of the Pantheon illustrates the intention of the building as a feat of engineering."