How was the Pantheon Damaged?
The Pantheon, one of Rome’s most iconic and enduring landmarks, has suffered significant damage throughout its long history, including being destroyed by fire not once, but twice, with the first incident occurring in 80 AD and the second in 110 AD, followed by a lightning strike that caused another fire. The original Pantheon, built by Agrippa, was completely destroyed except for its façade, and it was later rebuilt between 118 and 128 AD by Hadrian, who retained the original inscription on the façade.
Introduction to the Pantheon’s History
The Pantheon, a temple dedicated to all the gods, has a rich and complex history that spans over two millennia, with its design and construction reflecting the engineering and architectural skills of the ancient Romans.
The Pantheon’s Damages
Fires and Lightning Strikes
The Pantheon’s history is marked by devastating fires and lightning strikes that have caused significant damage to the structure, with the first fire occurring in 80 AD, followed by a second fire in 110 AD, and a lightning strike that caused another fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the original Pantheon like?: The original Pantheon, built by Agrippa, was not a small rectangular temple, but contained the distinctive hallmarks of the current building, including a portico with tall columns and pediment and a rotunda behind it.
- How many times was the Pantheon destroyed?: The Pantheon was destroyed by fire not once, but twice, with the first incident occurring in 80 AD and the second in 110 AD.
- Who rebuilt the Pantheon?: The Pantheon was rebuilt between 118 and 128 AD by Hadrian, who retained the original inscription on the façade.
- What caused the damage to the Pantheon?: The Pantheon was damaged by fires and lightning strikes, with the first fire occurring in 80 AD, followed by a second fire in 110 AD, and a lightning strike that caused another fire.
- Is the Pantheon still standing?: Yes, the Pantheon is still standing and is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings in Rome, despite suffering significant damage throughout its history.
- Why didn’t the barbarians destroy the Pantheon?: The Pantheon was one of the few Roman structures to survive intact since antiquity, possibly because the invading barbarians were overwhelmed by the monument’s grandeur.
- Can you get married in the Pantheon?: Yes, it is possible to get married inside the Pantheon, and a handful of couples do so every year, as the Pantheon is a consecrated church.
- What are some interesting facts about the Pantheon?: The Pantheon is actually a Christian church, has the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, and is not the original Pantheon, but a rebuilt version.
- How was the Pantheon rebuilt?: The Pantheon was rebuilt between 118 and 128 AD by Hadrian, using concrete and architectural skills that were advanced for its time.
- Is the Pantheon free to visit?: No, the Pantheon is no longer free to visit, with tickets costing 5 euros, which can be bought at the entrance or online.
- What is the significance of the Pantheon’s oculus?: The oculus, a 20-foot hole in the ceiling, is the only source of light and is a connection between the temple and the gods above, with rain occasionally falling through it.
- Who is buried in the Pantheon?: Several notable figures, including Annibale Carracci, Taddeo Zuccaro, and King Vittorio Emanuele II, are buried in the Pantheon.
- Why doesn’t the Pantheon flood?: The Pantheon’s marble floor is slightly concave to encourage drainage, and holes in the floor allow water to run through in case of heavy rain.
- Can the Pantheon be built today?: No, modern engineering practices would not permit the construction of a building like the Pantheon, which was made entirely of concrete without reinforcing steel.
- Is the Pantheon a perfect circle?: The Pantheon’s dome is almost a perfect sphere, with its height equal to its diameter, reflecting the architectural skills and attention to detail of the ancient Romans.