Similarities Between Parthenon And Pantheon
Parthenon and Pantheon: A Complex Look Throughout history and into the modern era, architecture was ever changed by the ancient Greeks. The striking resemblances of ancient Roman architecture demonstrate the influence ancient Greek architects had on the flourishing Roman Empire. Such stunning architecture is embodied on the Athenian Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the revered temple in Rome, the Pantheon. With such contrasting functions and styles, there are many similarities which both will be explored as we discover the cultural influence on two of the most prolific structures that remain. We begin upon the citadel of the Athenian Acropolis, home of the Parthenon. Amidst years of war with the Persians, Athens formed the Delian League
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During the later first century BC, there had been internal conflicts which led up to the assassination of Julius Caesar. Eventually, Augustus would be chosen as the first Roman Emperor to unite the internally divided Roman lands. (Augustus, n.d.) In the same year, 27 BC, Roman statesman Marcus Vispsanius Agrippa was commissioned to begin construction of the Pantheon. This original structure was destroyed by fire in 80 CE. The second structure was struck by lightning and burned again in 110 CE. The third iteration is what presently stands and was estimated to have been completed near 125 CE. The structure is circular and made of concrete with a brick façade with a dome beginning at the walls. At the time, the dome was the largest build at 142 feet in diameter and rising 71 feet from the base. There is a portico that extends from the rotund building that yields eight Corinthian columns. Even though originally built to venerate many Roman gods, today it is used as a Roman Catholic church and is popular with tourists as well.(Pantheon, 2015) (Cartwright, 2013) What we now understand, there are many similarities between the Parthenon and Pantheon. When we look at the history of both civilizations, there were both strives for greatness yet torn by war. Each of the buildings were conceived of as temples to celebrate their own theology. Similarly, both have eight columns each which support a pediment. While each have
During the later first century BC, there had been internal conflicts which led up to the assassination of Julius Caesar. Eventually, Augustus would be chosen as the first Roman Emperor to unite the internally divided Roman lands. (Augustus, n.d.) In the same year, 27 BC, Roman statesman Marcus Vispsanius Agrippa was commissioned to begin construction of the Pantheon. This original structure was destroyed by fire in 80 CE. The second structure was struck by lightning and burned again in 110 CE. The third iteration is what presently stands and was estimated to have been completed near 125 CE. The structure is circular and made of concrete with a brick façade with a dome beginning at the walls. At the time, the dome was the largest build at 142 feet in diameter and rising 71 feet from the base. There is a portico that extends from the rotund building that yields eight Corinthian columns. Even though originally built to venerate many Roman gods, today it is used as a Roman Catholic church and is popular with tourists as well.(Pantheon, 2015) (Cartwright, 2013) What we now understand, there are many similarities between the Parthenon and Pantheon. When we look at the history of both civilizations, there were both strives for greatness yet torn by war. Each of the buildings were conceived of as temples to celebrate their own theology. Similarly, both have eight columns each which support a pediment. While each have