Rome's Pantheon Celebrates 1,900 Years
Rome's Pantheon, built in 125 AD, has been celebrated as the world's oldest continuously-used building, featuring the largest unreinforced concrete dome at 142 feet with its famous oculus and Raphael's tomb. The architectural marvel generated 239 likes and 7,000 views on February 12, highlighting its enduring significance nearly 1,900 years after construction.
- The current structure is the third Pantheon to stand on the site; the first was built by Marcus Agrippa around 27 BC but was destroyed by fire in 80 AD. A second version built by Emperor Domitian burned down in 110 AD, leading to the final reconstruction by Emperor Hadrian, who kept the original inscription honoring Agrippa. - To reduce the dome's immense weight, Roman engineers used progressively lighter materials in the concrete as they built upwards. Heavy basalt was used in the foundation, while light, porous volcanic rock (pumice) was used in the upper levels near the oculus. - The name "Pantheon" is derived from the Greek words *pan* ("all") and *theos* ("gods"), as it was originally a temple dedicated to all Roman deities. The site was considered legendary, believed to be where Rome's founder, Romulus, ascended to the heavens. - In 609 AD, the Byzantine Emperor Phocas gave the building to Pope Boniface IV, who converted it into a Christian church dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs. This conversion is a major reason why the Pantheon has remained so remarkably well-preserved. - Beyond being a source of light, the oculus functions as a massive sundial, tracking the time of day and year as a beam of light moves across the interior. On the spring equinox, the midday sun is said to align perfectly with the entrance, illuminating the doorway. - In addition to Raphael, the Pantheon serves as a national mausoleum and the final resting place for several important Italians. These include two kings of unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife, Queen Margherita.
