The word “Pantheon” is a Greek adjective, meaning “honor all Gods”. The Roman Pantheon is the most preserved and influential building of ancient Rome. It is a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods of pagan Rome. The exact composition of the material is still unknown and appears to be structurally similar to modern day concrete. The 16 massive Corinthian columns supporting the portico weigh 60 tons each. The original use of the Pantheon is somewhat unknown, except that is was classified as a temple. However, it is unknown as to how the people worshipped in the building, because the structure of the temple is so different from other traditional Roman temples. The Pantheon as we know it today was built in 120 AD by Emperor Hadrian. A lighting effect can be viewed on April 21 when the midday sun strikes a metal grille above the doorway, saturating the courtyard outside with light. The Romans celebrated April 21 as the founding date of the city. The structure of the Pantheon is comprised of a series of intersecting arches. The arches rest on eight piers which support eight round-headed arches which run through the drum from its inner to its outer face. The arches correspond to the eight bays on the floor level that house statues. The most fascinating part of the Pantheon is its giant dome, with its famous hole in the top. The Pantheon has since antiquity been used to inspire artists during the Renaissance as well as become the tomb for important figures in Italian history. The marble floor, which features a design consisting of a series of geometric patterns, is still the ancient Roman original. The Italian kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I as well as the famous Renaissance painter Raphael and his fiancée are buried in the Pantheon.
