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The Pantheon |
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written
by asc1 / 09.08.2004 |
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Function |
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When it was initially built, the Pantheon was meant to serve as an assembly hall where the public could gather. Hadrian would have sat in a throne to oversee public gatherings. While meant to represent all gods as its name suggests, the Pantheon was not necessarily used as a temple because it lacked the rectangular shape of previous temples. In part, the Pantheon was meant to appease the gods because the destruction of the previous buildings in its place was seen as a sign that the gods were unhappy. In the niches would have originally stood statues of various gods, and deified emperors. For example, a statue of Augustus was placed in one of the main recesses.
One of the main purposes of the building, was for Hadrian to give the Roman people something to be proud of. A viewer approaching the Pantheon when it was first built would have had to look up to see the entire front porch. The bronze covered rotunda would have glowed in the sun. Upon entering the rotunda, the viewer would have been stunned by all the exquisite marble and grandeur of the dome. The interior of the rotunda was also symbolic of the greatness of the empire. The dome’s lack of corners shows no beginning or end, symbolizing continuity, perfection, and permanence. This was meant to demonstrate how the Roman empire was to be seen. The perfection of the dome also reminded the viewer of the continuity of the heavens, showing a connection to the Roman gods. When Hadrian had court under the dome, he would have appeared to have great power by being watched over by the gods. The pattern of circles and squares on the floor would have also symbolized the order of the empire. In addition, the construction of the Pantheon in a relatively short time of ten years would have undoubtedly provided work for thousands.
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