The Pantheon

The Pantheon, or Pantheum (Latin), is a temple found in Ancient Rome. It is said to be dedicated to all 7 Planetary gods that the Romans worshipped. (Roman Art and Architecture, Roma, Pleiades). It was first built by Marcus Agrippa around 27-25 BC and later rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian around 126 AD. (Pleiades/Roma). While the purpose was never originally recorded, by looking at the inside of the temple, were able to assume that it was dedicated to the 7 planetary deities. We know this due to the 7 statues of the gods inside of the temple. (Roman Art and Architecture). It was later repurposed when the Byzantine empire after they took over Rome, declared a Christian Church, and then named S. Maria ad Martyres. (Pleiades).
Its purpose is referred to as a "Simple, erect, severe, austere, sublime—
Shrine of all saints and temple of all gods,
From Jove to Jesus—spared and blest by the time"Lord Byron, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage (IV.146) (Roma)

Today, the building has become a popular tourist spot as people from all around the world come to Rome and view the ancient buildings and wonders. (Reasoning from pictures of tourists.) 

The building is made almost entirely out of concrete, with bronze that is used for decorative purposes (All sources). It's distinguishing features include: The only light is from the top center of the dome which allows enough to light up the entire temple (Roma). It is known as the best-preserved building in all of ancient Rome (Roma). Its giant masonry dome is one of the greatest achievements in Roman Engineering (Roma). The inside of the temple has 7 statues of deities which relate to the 7 Roman Gods they worshipped (Roman Art and Architecture). The building has no relation to any other Roman buildings and is located in Northwest Ancient Rome where it also happens to be Northwest of the Roman Forum and the Collesium as well (Livius). Historical Figures it relates to include Marcus Agrippa and Emperor Hadrian, as they were two of the main figures who built the Pantheon. (Roma/Pleiades). Lastly, some interesting information about the Pantheon is that the dome is 27-29 ft in diameter (Roman Art and Architecture/Roma). And the temple was destroyed in the fire of AD 80, restored, burned again thirty years later, which led to Emperor Hadrian Rebuilding it. (Roma)

Picture of Original:

Picture from Today:

 

-Jonas Pearson

Sources: Roma, Pleiades, and Roman Art and Architecture by Mortimer Wheeler. 

Drawing of Original: https://static.mfah.com/collection/14255.jpg?maxWidth=550&maxHeight=550&format=jpg&quality=90 

Picture of Today: https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/960x0/https%3A%2F%2Fblogs-images.forbes.com%2Fchadorzel%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F07%2Fpantheon_exterior-1200x800.jpg