Why the Pantheon is important

The pantheon was an important symbolic dome.

It was built to be for all the gods, including Emperor
Hadrian’s father. The original name for Pantheon in
Rome is “Pantheion.” Many of the engineering
techniques used to build the Pantheon are still used
today. These techniques were one of the few reasons
the Pantheon still stands today.

The Pantheon was a very important building in

Rome. It was the biggest dome of the 20th century. It
only took 10 years to build this 178 feet high, 142
feet wide structure, which has a foundation of 23
feet.

Where it is

The Pantheon was built in Rome Italy by Emperor

Hadrian. Hadrian’s son built the forum of the
Pantheon. Hadrian’s father was considered a god
after he died. Because Hadrian was the son, he built
the Pantheon for all gods, which was completed in
A.D 128.
 The Construction
The Pantheon was one of the emperor’s official
places of business. The porch of the Pantheon was
supported by eight columns. Inside the Pantheon the
ceilings pushed down on columns. Though they built
coffers to lower the weight. Coffers were sunken
panels in the walls of the dome to make the weight
lighter. The coffers reduced 5% of the weight. Some
people might think that’s little, but 5% of 5000 tons
of cement is 250 tons!
You might have noticed that there is a hole at the top
of the Pantheon; it is called the “oculus.” It is 30 feet
across and provides the only source of light, because
there are no windows in the Pantheon.

By Eamon and Robert

September, 2005
The Pantheon