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The Pantheon's structure and meaning can be broken down into 4 categories, form, function, content, and context. All of which talk about different, and equally important, aspects of the Pantheon.
Function: this building originally served as a temple for the gods, occasionally holding court, and was originally commissioned by Emperor Hadrian. After Christianity was legalized it was converted into a catholic church, and then was gifted to Pope Boniface. On the ceiling of the building, there is an Oculus, which is a small hole in the ceiling that provides natural light.
Context: this is considered the best-preserved ancient Roman architecture, while simultaneously representing the advance in Roman architecture. Its physical structure is not the only significant piece; inside lies the tomb of multiple Italian kings of whom were buried during the renaissance. The imported columns represent Rome's wealth and power, as they also replaced the original Agrippa's pantheon. The Pantheon inspired a new way of building, using and majorly relying on concrete.
Form: at first glance, we can see Corinthian columns stabilizing the building. These columns were imported from Egypt. This building has a porch, which is described as 'rectilinear,' and once you enter, the room opens up into a 'curvilinear, radial interior.' This building is based on a series of intersecting arches, with a total of 8 arches. This building was one of the first to rely on concrete; it was poured over a wooden base, which was then removed after the concrete dried. This allowed the Romans to create vast interior spaces! The walls are not only made of concrete, but brick as well; the barrel is constructed of concrete, tufa, and travertine. The Pantheon is a whopping 141 feet tall.
Content: this building was originally going to be fitted in bronze, though it was never fully followed through. The Pantheon, which had steps leading into the entrance of the building, now rests below the ground; people now need to step down to get into the Pantheon. This is mainly due to the buildup of debris raising the ground level of Rome, while the Pantheon stayed in place, seemingly sinking. The "Piazza," or square in front of the Pantheon, was constructed to conceal the conical back of the building to provide a shock factor as you entered. The pediment was originally planned to hold sculptures that reenacted the battle of the Titans, though it never happened. Columns in the interior line up perfectly with the fake windows, but do not line up with the coffers of the dome; an effect that the dome is independent from the barrel.
Interior of the pantheon
Giovanni Paolo Panini, Interior of the Pantheon, Rome. c. 1734, oil on canvas, 128 x 99 cm
Reconstruction of the interior of the Pantheon
Reconstruction by the Institute for Digital Media Arts Lab at Ball State University, interior of the Pantheon, Rome, c. 125 C.E. (Project Director: John Fillwalk, Project Advisors: Dr. Robert Hannah and Dr. Bernard Frischer)
Reconstruction exterior of the Pantheon
Reconstruction by the Institute for Digital Media Arts Lab at Ball State University, exterior of the Pantheon, Rome, c. 125 C.E. (Project Director: John Fillwalk, Project Advisors: Dr. Robert Hannah and Dr. Bernard Frischer)
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