The Pantheon Research Paper

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The Pantheon is one of the most recognizable and best-preserved structures in Ancient Rome. However, it is also one of the most misunderstood monuments with its ultimate function still undetermined. The Roman Pantheon is located in the very heart of Rome itself. First commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during Augustus’ reign, the structure’s production was built in 27 B.C., and rebuilt by Hadrian after its destruction by fire; the building was completed in its circular form that is seen today. The Pantheon has been a subject of much criticism, to whom many express their opinions with perplexity or lack of content. As one would guess the reason for this indecisiveness, the Pantheon is an immense circular temple covered with the world’s largest unsupported,…show more content…
In a photo taken from the Hulton Archive, the interior of the Pantheon, with its open hole in the apex, is shown in black and white with a representation of, “200 AD, The interior of the Pantheon in Rome, a temple dedicated to all the Gods. ” The Pantheon was originally a “temple of all the gods,” to which its name derived from the Greek saying. It was first built during the period where the Roman Republic fell and the Roman Empire began to rise from the reign of Augustus. Despite the monument’s less than deteriorated appearance of 2,000 years, it is a true artifact of living history, described in its listing from UNESCO's World Heritage List, “Ever since its foundation, which legend sets in 753 B.C., Rome has always been associated with the history of humanity. The capital of an empire that dominated the Mediterranean world for five centuries, it later became the capital of the Christian world and still today performs these essential religious and political functions. ” Even in its condition, the beige color of the structure’s stonework creates a beautiful “African” effect that is emphasized by the green coloration from between its stones. Nonetheless, its time in history was not uneventful. Once containing bronze statues, Pope Urban VII had them stripped and melted down to use in a canopy of St. Peter’s basilica. The Pantheon is also a resting place for numerous artists

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