Art his unit test 3 Pantheon

Emperor Hadrian

(76-138 CE) emperor of rome, known for his fascination with greek culture and travel

Travertine

strong porous limestone used to build the foundation of the pantheon

Concrete, Pozzolano, and Lime

was used to create a stronger bonded concrete which used minimal water 

Coffering

receding panels in the dome’s interior reduced weight of the dome while creating patterns

Axis

from the front to the back of the building created a sense of balance and harmony

Pilasters

These flat, rectangular columns projected slightly from the walls, adding vertical emphasis and visual interest.

Columns

The Pantheon boasts an impressive array of columns, both on the exterior porch and within the interior. The exterior porch features sixteen massive granite columns, imported from Egypt.

Niches

Recessed areas in the walls, often used to house statues or decorative elements. The niches in the Pantheon are arranged symmetrically, further enhancing the building's sense of balance.

Exedra

Semi-circular recesses often found in Roman architecture, typically used for seating or conversation.

Colonnade

A row of columns supporting an entablature, often used to define a space or create a walkway.

On the Sphere and the Cylinder

The Pantheon’s design uses shapes—a dome on top of a cylinder that reflect ideas from the Greek mathematician Archimedes (287 BC – c. 212 BC)

Oculus

This circular opening at the apex of the dome, It serves as the building's primary source of natural light and creates a dramatic interplay of light and shadow within the interior.

Greek Mystery Cults

Emperor Hadrian's interest in Greek mystery cults, which often involved rituals centred around death and rebirth, has led to speculation that the Pantheon may have had a deeper religious purpose beyond being a temple to all gods.