Pantheon

Attribution:

formalfallacy

Rome

Italy

Key Dates

In the aftermath of the Battle of Actium (31 BC), Augustus built the original Pantheon, dedicating it to the gods of Rome. This building was destroyed by fire in 80 AD, and replaced with Hadrian's current construction. How the building was actually used is not known.

In 609, the Byzantine emperor Phocas gave the building to Pope Boniface IV, who converted it into a Christian church and consecrated it to Santa Maria ad Martyres, now known as Santa Maria dei Martiri. The building's consecration as a church saved it from the abandonment and destruction.

Since the Renaissance, the Pantheon has been used as a tomb, with the painter Raphael and composer Arcangelo Corelli among those buried there.

Key People

The emperor Hadrian is credited with the construction of the Pantheon, the second building on the site after the originl burnt down.

Hadrian

The Pantheon was built as a temple to the gods of Ancient Rome by Marcus Agrippa, a friend of Augustus', in 27 BC. However the original building burnt down in 80 AD. It was rebuilt by Hadrian and dedicated between 118 and 125AD.

It is the best preserved of all Roman buildings, and has been in continuous use throughout its history. It is also the oldest domed structure remaining in Rome. The height to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are the same: 43.3 metres.

Since the 7th century, the Pantheon has been used as a Roman Catholic Church, and is therefore also known as the Church of Santa Maria ad Martyres.

The term 'pantheon' can now be applied to any monument in which the illustrious dead are buried.

Admission Fee

Admission Free

Related Websites

Romeinfo.com

Rome Tourist Board

Images