Timeline of restoration: Pantheon, Italy

Influencing the history of modern constructions, known as “the temple of all gods” stands The Pantheon of the Roman Empire. Originally built between 25 and 27 BC in the narrow streets, expressing the grandeur of Rome, the monument is celebrated for its huge masonry dome with an ‘Oculus’ and exemplary mathematical proportions for over two thousand years. Going through rebuilding, renovations, and extensions, it is still one of the most influential and best-survived Roman buildings. With its eccentricity, the eyes have not only been captivated by its architecture but also by its mysterious & peculiar history. 

The significance and importance of Pantheon (Italy) is undeniable. The research suggests that originally a temple was built in the seventh century BCE in the Campus Martius holding religious festivals and military musters but the point was denied due to its probability of existence during that period. The purpose of the Pantheon has always been indistinct. Over time, it has served as a religious building, a memorial, and a government building. The symbolism of the origin was lost behind the edifice of today. 

The Beginning

With uncertainties of its emergence, the discontinuities of the architectural character in the Pantheon today from the culmination of Greek style columnar portico and low-height porch to the Roman-style rotunda, was the source of an argument over when and by whom the structure was built. To understand, innumerable theories have been discovered to prove the architectural nature of the structure today. Some of them believed that Agrippa, who built the Original building created a design extending into the existing Republican-era building while others believed in the influence of Emperor Hadrian. In the end, it was inferred that diverse elements were accommodated in the structure over different periods.

The First: Agrippa’s Pantheon (27 BCE- 25 BCE)

The Pantheon (Italy) was named after the Greek words ‘pan’ and ‘theon’ which means all gods. According to the documentation, the building of the first Pantheon began in 27 BCE by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a military commander, to celebrate the victory of Emperor Augustus at Actium over Antony and Cleopatra. It was located in Campus Martius, designed with the assistance of Architect Lucius Cocceius Auctus, and was completed in 25 BCE. The dilemma about the form and style of the Agrippa’s pantheon remains.

It is believed that the original building was an expression of rich and glory. It was predicted that the first structure was a rectangular-shaped plan that included Rome’s first public bath building. Although the rectangular form was the base of the plan the belief about the original pantheon to be circular remained floated among the long-time scholars. Countless facts have been taken into consideration by archeologists based on the predictions and existence. One of the many facts was the position of the building, some think it had a north-face entrance with a portico merging with the paved square while others believed it had a south-face entrance connecting to the Basilica of Neptune. The debate over the position later resided in the fact that Agrippa positioned the building facing the mausoleum of Augustus to honor the Emperor.

The pantheon (Italy) was revealed to be erected with detailed ornamentation that was adorned with bronze reflecting the lushness of the space. A typical Roman masonry technique was used for the walls of the structure that consisted of pyramidal stones with pointed ends to embed into the wall of cement to form diagonal patterns. It also states that the walls were either covered in stucco, marble paneling, or travertine. The plinth of the structure stood high above the street level was linked together by the five steep steps. 

The interior of the structure was filled with intricated designs and was decorated with the statues of gods defining the structure’s origin, additionally in honor of Emperor Augustus, Agrippa placed a statue of the former Caesar and in the ante-room statues of Augustus and himself. The roof of the building was a tall traditional vaulted roof that was assembled to symbolize the heavens and form a relationship with gods. Agrippa expressed his loyalty to Augustus and passion for creating a better living for the public through the Pantheon (Italy).

The Destruction (80 AD-110 AD)

The structure flourished over the years until the year 80 AD which began the downfall of the Pantheon (Italy). A massive fire feasted on the structure destroying it to ruins and the cause of the fire was never discovered leading to the complete restoration of the building. The restoration of the building by Emperor Domitian was taking strides to move forward but only to be burnt again by lightning and brought back to the ground in the year 110 AD. It was believed by the people of Rome that the destruction was a bad omen that stopped the rebuilding for 8 years until the reign of Emperor Hadrian, who created the Pantheon of today.

Re- construction: Hadrian’s Pantheon (118-125 AD)

In the middle of destruction and reconstruction, many theories have been developed in context to the restoration before the reign of Hadrian. With constant attempts at restoration, Emperor Hadrian accepted the task of rebuilding the monument after the disastrous fire that took place in 110 AD and carried out the construction of the Pantheon (Italy) of the present. Hadrian, through the building, attempted to connect to the gods and Emperor Augustus as a memoir of history. The extravagant themes portrayed in the dome of the structure by Emperor Hadrian expressed the strong relationship between the Roman government and religion.

The reconstruction emerged as the architectural prodigy with the proficient workmanship of Roman architects and engineers. The defined purpose of the reconstruction was to make the Roman people proud of it. Hadrian wanted its existence that make you experience the Roman empire in his period. It was built on the basis of complete symbolism with no beginning and no end just continuity and perfection. The circular and squared patterns defined the order of the empire. It signified a connection to the heaven and Roman gods resembling the initial concept of the original Pantheon (Italy).

Towards the Present (609AD- 19th century)

Over the years until today, the structure has taken over different forms changing its originality and symbolism. In 609AD, in the reign of Pope Boniface IV, the structure transformed into a Christian church to be named Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs. Christianity marked its dominance over the Roman religion additionally preserving the structure to sustain for a longer period of time. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the structure faced numerous damages, from the removal of Bronze from the portico to getting struck by lightning again that collapsed the ceiling making it go through the procedure of renewal for the third time in the last thousand years. In 1870, the Pantheon (Italy) emerged as a symbol of pride with the unification of Italy and was officially chosen as a UNESCO World Heritage site by the year 1965.

Through different phases of its existence, the Pantheon (Italy) is a remarkable piece of sighting that stands strong and high with roots deep inside the soil of the Roman Empire. The definition of Church given to the structure marks its sustainability over the years and makes it a well-preserved building. The magnificent construction of the dome, the largest yet has inspired a lot of buildings since the Renaissance period. It continues to impress the modern world with the innovative culmination of Greek and Roman styles in its architecture. As Michelangelo stated it was designed by an angel and not a man. The Pantheon stands as evidence of Roman engineering mastery articulating the architectural grandeur and the vibrant connection to Rome’s past. 

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