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Building the Pantheon today would be a demanding feat, imagine building it 2000 years ago and even imagining the dome would hold up when you started the work, much less for 2000 years. Whoever the architect/engineer was, they were unbelievably bold.
Building the Pantheon today would be a demanding feat, imagine building it 2000 years ago and even imagining the dome would hold up when you started the work, much less for 2000 years. Whoever the architect/engineer was, they were unbelievably bold.
Technically it has not, though. It was rebuilt twice, iirc, although the last time more than 1000 years ago.
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Had it not been for various popes, the structure would’ve been pulled down for building materials after the end of the Empire in the west.
Probably true, but not the bit I was interested in or what makes the building special.
Building the Pantheon today would be a demanding feat, imagine building it 2000 years ago and even imagining the dome would hold up when you started the work, much less for 2000 years. Whoever the architect/engineer was, they were unbelievably bold.
Since it’s made of unreinforced concrete, getting it permitted in almost any jurisdiction in the world would be exceedingly difficult. Which is somewhat ironic, as it’s the lack of corrodable reinforcing that’s enabled it’s extremely long lifespan.
There are also many amphitheatres still around and often in use (concerts and theatre performance) all over Europe (and beyond): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Roman_amphitheatres
Turns out, someone on Quora had the same question, and the answer lies in the fact that Romans did not use the same recipe we use for concrete. They included volcanic ash, which creates a stronger chemical bond, and obviates the need for rebar to some degree. A quick google search shows there’s a small movement to alter our current Portland Cement mixture to include volcanic ash.
https://www.quora.com/How-come-buildings-from-the-Roman-Empi...
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I loved it, but I went there for the ancient Roman aspect and was kind of sad that that has been overlaid with the Roman Catholic stuff.
And you didn't even mention the tacky "King of Italy" coffins. I was discussing this yesterday with friends: the building is still a church but a few years ago it was sold to the State (so the Church doesn't have to be responsible for the upkeep...). This means the State could, in theory, throw out all the Catholic paraphernalia and ripristinate a classical-looking interior, if local government so wished. We don't ha…
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/true-colors-1788...
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Probably true, but not the bit I was interested in or what makes the building special.
The only reason it's still around is because it's been in continuous use for two millennia.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Since it’s made of unreinforced concrete, getting it permitted in almost any jurisdiction in the world would be exceedingly difficult. Which is somewhat ironic, as it’s the lack of corrodable reinforcing that’s enabled it’s extremely long lifespan.
Can plastic be used for reinforcement of the concrete in any way?
Concrete is strong under compression, but has weak tensile strength. Rebar significantly increases the tensile strength of the structure.
I have been in Rome many times but I always pay a visit whenever I go back since it's my favourite monument there (never been a fan of St Peter, too much stuff in there). The setting is amazing since it's hidden inside the city and the structure itself it's a beautiful and impressive testament to the architectural prowess of the romans. There is truly nothing like it.
Ditto. Walking in to the Pantheon, especially off season when there aren't as many tourists, is like traveling back in time. I can't help but think about all the things that may (or may not) have happened in that space, and my imagination immediately runs wild. Whenever I find myself in Rome I have to go there, it's like a calling almost. I have much the same feelings when walking around Forum Romanum, my imagination…