The Pantheon, one of the greatest
engineering feats, was built in the time of Hadrian,
the emperor known for his famous wall among other
things, around 125 AD. This marvellous edifice has
stood the test of time. While other monuments of
the world crumbled, the Pantheon stands intact today,
thanks to the brilliant design and engineering expertise
of those responsible for this strikingly magnificent
monument.
Structurally the Pantheon has an
imposing entrance, constructed in the shape of a
rectangle. The classic Greek influence is evident
in the granite pillars that bear a triangular pediment.
The entrance leads into a rotunda, topped by a dome.
The entrance to the circular space has three rows
of Corinthian pillars. Of these, eight are constructed
in front, followed by eight more in two sets. This
majestic rectangular entrance takes you into the
rotunda.
That the circular structure should
be able to hold up a 142-foot diameter dome for
so many centuries stands as proof of the sound architectural
knowledge, the combination of materials used and
the precision to which the construction was carried
out. At the centre of the dome is an opening called
the oculus. This clever idea not only allows light
to enter the structure, but also helps distribute
the weight evenly. There is one drawback: the rain
too has free access to the interior. That too was
catered for by sloping the floor in the direction
of the drains.
Every aspect of the building was
planned carefully. The design of the steps is equally
amazing. They are tapered in such a way that the
base, which is 20 feet in thickness, is heavier
than the top. The steps decrease in weight until
they reach the oculus, where they weigh less and
are just 7.5 feet thick. Strange as it may seem
this brainwave of the architects involved was not
picked up by future builders.
Handicapped though the builders
were in those days, without the advantage of machines
and high precision instruments, yet they were able
to erect a monument that has stood for almost 2000
years. Besides, transportation wasn’t advanced.
The only way they could move the materials was via
the River Tiber. On land, the building material
would have to be placed on carts and dragged by
man or beast to the site.
The remarkable thing about the Pantheon
is that except for the restoration of its massive
bronze doors, no major repair work has been carried
out on the structure, despite it having been built
on marshy soil. In comparison, the leaning Tower
of Pisa has undergone many renovations, in attempts
to keep it from collapsing. The soft ground on which
it was built has been blamed for this.
Copies have been attempted of the
Pantheon. The Reading Room at the British Museum,
as also the rotunda, named for Thomas Jefferson
in the University of Virginia are examples. However,
the Pantheon transcends every replica made of it
in beauty and structural elegance.
The Pantheon has always been put
to good use. Many famous people including monarchs
have been buried there. From the eighth century
to the present day, the Pantheon has been used as
a church.
If you do get an opportunity to
visit Rome, put the Pantheon on the top of your
‘must see’ list. It’s well worth
the effort.
