Built in 1018 AD, the Pantheon in Rome is considered to be one of the most important architectural wonders from ancient history, which still makes a strong impression on architects and viewers from all over the world. Its unique design demonstrates the proficiency and genius of Roman architects, serving as a long-lasting testimony to their brilliant minds and skills. The initial purpose and function of the construction still remain a mystery to modern historians. However, the Greek word “pantheon” is translated as “all Gods”, which allows suggesting that its main function was to serve as a religious structure, a temple for praying to gods.
This structure has many defining architectural aspects, and one of the main ones is its giant dome. Its diameter is 43 meters and it is currently the largest unsupported dome in the world. There is a so-called oculus, meaning “eye” on top of it. This is a special hole that was designed to distribute the weight of the dome. In addition, it is the only source of natural light in the interior of the structure.
Another interesting feature of the structure is the material architects used to construct the dome, one of the most difficult parts of the Pantheon. Since domes are relatively weak at the top, it is necessary to lighten them in order to prevent the structure from collapsing. As a solution, Roman masons used lighter and lighter stones within the concrete to reduce the load as the layers get higher. Thus, to increase the strength at the base, they used large lumps of heavy basalt rock. In the middle, they used knuckle-sized pieces of stone, and at the top – pumice, a volcanic stone that is so light that it floats in water. Finally, the oculus at the apex allowed the architects to avoid creating a heavy load at the weakest point of the dome.