Comparisons Between the Parthenon and the Pantheon

COMPARISONS BETWEEN THE PARTHENON AND THE PANTHEON September 12th, 2021 Abstract The contrasts and similarities between the Parthenon in Greece and the Pantheon in Rome are examined in this study. It also sees each building's architecture and function (usage) as a typical illustration of its civilization, as well as the parallels and variations between ancient Greece and Rome observed in these two buildings. Introduction The Parthenon in Athens and the Pantheon in Rome are two iconic Greek and Roman structures with a long history. They are both old temples built by separate cultures. Both the Parthenon and the Pantheon are representative of their respective civilizations in terms of form and purpose; nevertheless, there are crucial parallels and contrasts between the two that make them real architectural wonders. The Pantheon was erected in Rome to honor all of the Roman gods (which were merely mirrors of Greek gods), whereas the Parthenon was built in Ancient Greece to honor the goddess Athena. The contrasts between ancient Greece and Rome are real, and they will be highlighted when the Parthenon and the Pantheon are directly compared. THE PARTHENON, ATHENS THE PARTHEON, ROME The two structures have a lot of similarities, but they also have a lot of differences. The structures were made out of a variety of materials. They were constructed at different eras and have varied designs and layouts. Although both structures include eight columns, the Pantheon's columns were erected primarily for decoration influenced by Greek architecture, whereas the Parthenon's columns were a structural requirement. When examining the shape and function of both the Parthenon and the Pantheon, there are tangible indications that they are both representative of their respective cultures. They look quite similar, to some extent. The Parthenon is a Doric temple with a rectangular marble floor and a limestone foundation, supported by ionic columns.. The temple is designed in the manner of classical Greece. “The east pediment depicts the birth of Athena, while the west pediment depicts the battle between Athena and to become the patron deity of the city.” The Parthenon was erected to replace two earlier temples of Athena and Acropolis, according to the parthenon website. (The Parthenon, 2017). The Parthenon is erected high on a hill in Athens and is based on the architectural column styles of the Doric and Ionic orders, two of ancient architecture's three canonic orders. The building is dominated by Doric-style exterior columns that bend slightly inward to provide the illusion of straight lines. The enormous domed roof and rotunda of the Pantheon are the building's defining features. It was the largest in the world when it was erected in the second century. The Pantheon is now located in the centre of Rome, on the same location as the ancient Pantheon, which was erected in 25 B.C.E. by Marcus Agrippa, the son-in-law of the first Roman emperor, Augustus. The Pantheon in Rome is a circular structure with Corinthian columns built of various materials such as granite, marble, concrete, and brick (Diffen, 2019). The architecture of the Roman Empire has impacted it. The Romans were brilliant inventors, and part of their job usually included developing new building processes utilizing previously unknown materials (Cartwright, 2019). The Pantheon's initial purpose was to serve as a shrine to all of the Roman gods. The Parthenon was initially erected as a temple to the Greek Goddess Athena and is now a Roman Catholic church and a major tourist destination. It has now been turned into a museum. The two structures appear to have a remarkable resemblance at first look, but closer inspection reveals substantial variations. When it comes to commonalities, both civilizations worship gods, and both structures were erected in honor of the gods. Both structures have stunning ornamental elements that convey a tale. Another resemblance is that both structures have been destroyed and repaired throughout time. The Pantheon's external style is inspired by classic Greek temples such as the Parthenon, which both have eight columns supporting a pediment and were repurposed as churches during the Middle Ages. Conclusion Both of these structures are visually magnificent and demonstrate that the architects were extremely skilled and innovative. The Parthenon and Pantheon are both extremely beautiful, acting as design and function models for their respective civilizations, and no matter how you look at them, they will always have vital roles in Greek and Roman history. Both the Pantheon and the Parthenon were intended to be temples, and the Pantheon's exterior architecture is significantly influenced by traditional Greek temples like the Parthenon. A pediment is supported by eight columns in both cases. Both were destroyed and rebuilt, and both served as churches during the Middle Ages. While the Pantheon was sheltered by its sacred bond, in the 1700s several parts of the Parthenon had been removed. These two buildings remain significant in history, now matter what happens to them.