Admire architectural perfection at the Pantheon in Rome

ITALY // It seems implausible that the Pantheon could have been in use for 2000 years, but it's true. It was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa between 27 BC and AD 14, and rebuilt by Hadrian around AD 126, and it is the blueprint for pretty much every neoclassical building in the world. Its mighty portico is held aloft by a forest of Corinthian columns. Inside, the gravity-defying dome the largest in the world) still elicits gasps from awestruck visitors. Through the central oculus a shaft of sunlight streams as if heralding an imminent holy arrival.

 

What does Pantheon literally mean?

(temple) of all gods

The word pantheon is derived from the Greek πάνθεον pantheon, literally "(temple) of all gods", "of or common to all gods", from πᾶν pan- "all" and θεός theos "god".

What is the meaning of the Pantheon?

The Pantheon, built by Agrippa between 25 and 27 BC, was a temple dedicated to twelve living gods and goddesses. Traditionally, it is believed that the current building is the result of Hadrian's fundamental reconstruction between 118 and 125 AD.

What is Pantheon known for?

The Pantheon has the largest unsupported concrete dome in the world. Unbelievable, but true - in the nearly 2,000 years since the Pantheon was completed, no unreinforced concrete dome has been built on such a scale anywhere in the world.

What does Pantheon stand for?

The Greek word, pantheon, combines pan- ("all") and theos ("god"). Later, in English, "all the gods" was used to mean exactly that - a pantheon could be a collection of gods (as "Egyptian pantheon").

Are there 12 Roman gods?

The 12 Roman gods are: Jupiter, Juno, Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Apollo, Diana, Minerva, Ceres, Vulcan and Vesta. Jupiter held thunderbolts that he could throw from the sky. Juno's symbols were a pomegranate and a peacock.