Description of the presentation SEVEN WONDERS OF ANCIENT ROME Big Circus on slides
Big Circus It was the largest stadium in the history of mankind. He could take a third of the population of Rome - 350 thousand people. Entrance to the Big Circus was free, at the expense of the state. The Great Circus was 500 m long, 150 m wide and over 30 m high. this is the best thing: here he could meet with the crowd, and on the same level.
Trajan's Forum The Great Circus brought Trajan popularity. But the Emperor did not stop there. He was the greatest builder of Rome and built another marvel of architecture. The square alone was more than 200 meters long and was lavishly decorated with elegant galleries and statues of Trajan. The Market, library and courts were also located there. Trajan's majestic column was erected at the Forum
Trajan's Forum The column was decorated with reliefs remarkable in their expressiveness, telling about the emperor's military victories, about the successful campaigns of the Roman army to cross the Danube and seize the territory of modern Romania. When an ordinary Roman entered the Forum of Trajan, he seemed to fall into another world. The Roman fled from the stench, crampedness and squalor of his Everyday life into these rocks of gleaming marble topped with roofs of gilded bronze.
Forum of Trajan However, the Forum of Trajan was conceived not just as a city square. To guarantee himself popular recognition, Trajan ordered the construction of the first ever shopping center in the Forum - the so-called Trajan's Market. .
Aqueducts are a great achievement of engineering. They brought the purest water directly to the homes of a million inhabitants of Rome. Graceful arches striding across the landscape and underground tunnels brought to the city - hard to believe - a billion tons fresh water daily. This fantastic system became the lifeblood of Rome and the engineering model for cities in all subsequent times.
Aqueducts During the transfer of the aqueduct across the river, the supports were given greater strength due to the streamlined shape. But if the aqueduct was very high, there was a possibility of twisting. Therefore, the height of the arch was limited to 21 meters. However, aqueducts sometimes had to be built higher to maintain the gradient. In this case, a second level was placed on top of the first level of arches. The aqueduct in Nimes had as many as three levels with a total height of 55 m.
Baths of Caracalla Along with Caligula and Nero, Caracalla was one of the most cruel rulers of Rome. The emperor was so much hated that he decided to build a real miracle for the Romans in order to ingratiate themselves with them and whitewash himself in their eyes.
Baths of Caracalla In Rome, there were almost a thousand public baths. But the Baths of Caracalla eclipsed them all. Their area was 110 thousand square meters. m. The central space alone was larger than St. Peter's Cathedral. A side branch was brought in to supply water from Aqua Marcia.
Baths of Caracalla In addition to water treatments, the Baths were adapted for various other activities. There was a gymnasium and exercise rooms, as well as libraries, meeting rooms, and gardens. Massages, hairdressers, manicures and pedicures were at the service of visitors. Entering the Terme was dazzled by the radiance of countless facets of marble, the beauty of wall and floor mosaics.
Roads The first Roman road was the Via Appia, begun in 312 BC. e. Over the next two hundred years, a network of roads was laid from Rome to the farthest corners of the empire. total length 300 thousand kilometers. Soon all of Europe in the west, all the lands to Judea in the east and to Egypt in the south came under the rule of Rome.
Pantheon This temple, dedicated to all the gods, was built under the emperor Hadrian. Little is known about the Pantheon. We don't know its original name, we don't know what it was used for. It is assumed that there was a courtyard of Hadrian, there were statues of Roman gods. However, its exact purpose is unknown.
Pantheon As if timeless, the Pantheon remains the best preserved Roman building, marking one of the greatest achievements of world architecture. The Greek portico is supported by 16 beautiful columns carved from Egyptian granite and brought from Aswan. The traverses above them were once sheathed in bronze. From here, giant bronze doors 6.5 meters high lead to a huge round hall the size of half a football field.
Pantheon The dome of the Pantheon, reaching a diameter of 44 m, has become a masterpiece of engineering science. This is the largest vault in history built without the use of reinforced concrete. This incredible dome makes the interior of the Pantheon look fantastic. The vault is crowned by the oculus - a round hole with a diameter of nine meters. This amazing detail saved the vault from the point of maximum load, which contributed to the longevity of the building.
Colosseum Colosseum, entertainment arena and temple of death. This building was the largest and most terrible of all the Roman amphitheaters. Horrific scenes of fights, torture and bloodshed played out behind its magnificent walls. Surpassing the height of a sixteen-story building, the Colosseum accommodated over 80 thousand spectators.
Colosseum The idea to build the Colosseum arose after the death of Nero. His reign of terror so demoralized society that his successor Vespasian had to create something exceptional to win back the support of the people. The first three levels on the facade are surrounded by arcades, the 4th level is made of a monolithic concrete wall lined with bricks. The walls of the Colosseum are pierced by a labyrinth of vaulted tunnels. Crowds of spectators flowed in through seventy-six entrances and took their seats at the top.
Colosseum The central arena was surrounded by an oval structure (Coliseum. Interior). Best Places were intended for the emperor, next to him were senators and vestals. On the next tier was the nobility. Even higher - soldiers and citizens. The last tier was occupied by persons of the lower classes. The worst places were given to women. A huge awning protected the spectators from the sun.
The Seven Wonders of Ancient Rome was an outstanding accomplishment that raised architecture and engineering to a pinnacle not surpassed for over a thousand years. The boldness of their design to this day serves as an example for architects, prompting them to develop ever new materials, set and solve ever new tasks, that is, to do like the Romans - to build, looking to the future.
Incredible Facts
Italy is a country with a huge number of beautiful cities, and Rome is the king over them all. There are too many reasons to fall in love with this city: masterpieces literally on every corner, Romans driving a scooter, opera squares, provincial cocktails and much more.
The Romans themselves say that life is too short, but being in Rome, it seems as if you live forever. Therefore, if you have planned a vacation, then choosing Rome, you definitely will not lose. If you want to go through all the history, then you should definitely visit the ancient wonders of this beautiful city below.
Coliseum
The Colosseum is the most unusual monument Rome. Beyond its size, structure and strength, there is a story behind it that resonates. It was here that the gladiators met in mortal combat, and the condemned fought the hungry lions in an unequal battle. Originally used to host the 100-day games, the Colosseum fell into disrepair after the fall of the empire in the sixth century. Since then, it served as a fortress in the Middle Ages, was damaged several times by earthquakes, and was also used as a quarry for travertine and marble. There are still a huge number of people who want to visit the Colosseum, however, do not let the queue scare you away. Moreover, starting from 2010, another reason for visiting it appeared - underground passages became available to the general public (places where gladiators and animals awaited their fate).
Palatine
Palatine acts as a kind of ancient version of Beverly Hills in California. Romulus killed his brother Remus here and founded Rome in 753 BC, and starting from 500 BC. the wealthiest citizens lived in this area of Rome. When entering the complex from Via di San Gregorio, the first recognizable building is the stadium, which was probably used by emperors for private games and events. To the southeast of the stadium are the meager ruins of a complex built by Septimius Severus. On the other side of the stadium are the ruins of the huge private residence of the emperor Domus Augustana. Today, the Palatine is a wonderful place to escape from the bustle of the city and have a picnic.
Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
A treasure trove of classical art, this museum is one of the best museums in Rome, but only a very small number of people visit it. The museum is home to a large number of gems, including those found on sculptures and marble friezes dating back to the 2nd century BC. However, on the second floor of the museum you will find mosaics and frescoes of incredible beauty, these include the richest colored frescoes from Villa Augustanera.
Pantheon
Of course, the competition in Rome for the title of the most colorful and amazing building is very tough, but the Pantheon is certainly one of the main contenders for it. Considered the most significant architectural achievement of the Romans, it was the largest dome in the world until the 15th century and is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built. Its harmonious appearance is the result of precisely calibrated symmetry, since the diameter is exactly equal to the internal height of the Pantheon (43.3 meters). Light enters through the oculus, a special window in the dome that also served as a symbolic link between the temple and the gods. (Rainwater also gets in, but flows down 22 nearly invisible holes in the sloping marble floor.)
Basilica of San Clemente
Enter there, examine the church built in the 12th century, and then take a few steps down to the next level and get into the church of the 4th century. Proceed to the next level and you will walk down an ancient lane to a first century Roman house. Next, you will find yourself in the temple of Mitra, built in the second century. Mithraism was a popular cult among the ancient Roman military. According to mythology, Mithra, a handsome young god, had to kill a wild bull in the name of the Sun. As soon as he did this, the bull's blood gave life to wheat and other plants. The temples of Mithras were always deep and dark, but the infatuation with the cult meant nothing sinister. Mystical and mysterious, the journey to this temple is even more exciting as you go through layers of history to reach it.
Architectural Innovations of Ancient Rome(b.7c.1)
The needs of Roman society gave rise to many types of structures: amphitheaters, baths, triumphal arches, aqueducts, etc. The shrine of Rome was the temple of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva on the Capitoline Hill. The temple has not survived, but it is assumed that it was laid out with a deep front portico, a high plinth and a staircase leading to the main entrance.
Another masterpiece of architecture is the famous Arc de Triomphe of Titus. Triumphal arches are also a Roman architectural innovation. The arch was the boundary of one's own and another's world. On the sides of the opening of the arch of Titus are two columns. The arch is decorated with a high superstructure - an attic. Above is a statue of the emperor on a chariot drawn by four horses.
In the II century. one of the most spiritual monuments of world architecture was created. The Pantheon - "the temple of all the gods" - and now stands in the center of Rome. This is the only monument that was not rebuilt or destroyed in the Middle Ages.
Public baths were an obligatory accessory of Roman cities (the Romans called them baths).
The extensive buildings included a pool of running water, a kind of artificial lake. In some rooms, baths with warm or hot water were arranged, in others - dressing rooms, steam rooms. Large halls were intended for gymnastics. But in the Roman baths, conditions were created not only for exercise; they had libraries with works by Greek and Latin writers, lobbies and galleries for friendly conversations and philosophical disputes. Baths built by the emperor Caracalla at the beginning of the 3rd century BC. n. e. (The Baths of Caracalla), the most luxurious of the many hundreds of Roman baths, accommodated up to 2 thousand people at a time.
Inside the baths were richly decorated. Their walls were finished with colored marble, the floor - with mosaics, the vaulted ceilings were covered with paintings. Through wide windows with bindings of gilded bronze, into which plates of translucent stone were sometimes inserted instead of glass, soft diffused light poured. Numerous marble and bronze statues stood in the thermal halls.
Wonders of the world (b.7v.2)
The list of the Seven Wonders was formed during the Middle Ages. It included seven of the most impressive monuments Ancient World. For their builders, the Seven Wonders of the World were the personification of religion, mythology, art, power and science. For us, they represent the ability of people to create structures of incredible beauty and structure.
Pyramids of Egypt
The pyramids of Egypt served as tombs for their dead kings. In the center of the ritual complex of the building - Egyptian pyramids, according to the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, they had magical powers, in them the mummified pharaoh could achieve eternal life. The pyramids of Egypt became known mainly due to the pyramid of Cheops, located in Giza, which was built in 2550 BC. e. The Egyptian pyramids were distinguished by unique technological features, and it is still not entirely clear how they were built.
The Colossus of Rhodes
Travelers in New York Harbor can see a wonderful sight. Before them appears a huge statue of a woman in clothes, standing on a small island in the harbor, holding a book and a torch, rushing into the sky. The statue is almost one hundred and twenty feet from the feet to the crown. It is sometimes called the "Modern Colossus", but more often it is called the Statue of Liberty.
The Colossus of Rhodes, which the Statue of Liberty so reminds us of, is an ancient creation of the ancients, located on the island of Rhodes. The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue standing along the banks of the strait, one foot was on one side, the other on the second. According to the project, ships were supposed to float between the legs of the statue.
Unfortunately, the Colossus of Rhodes turned out to be “weak in the legs”, because of the earthquake, his legs gave way, and the huge statue collapsed into the water. For a long time there were remains of his legs, which served as proof of his existence, but they have not survived to this day either. The Colossus of Rhodes today has become a symbol of a massive, but ill-conceived project at the base, which can easily collapse.
Temple of Artemis of Ephesus
The Temple of Artemis of Ephesus today is the remains of columns and meager fragments lying on the ground, and this is all that remains of the seventh wonder of the world. The Temple of Artemis of Ephesus was destroyed at least seven times, and rebuilt the same number of times. Unfortunately, as we have already said, the temple of Artemis of Ephesus has not been preserved.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. They indicate that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were built by King Nebuchadnezzar, who ruled the city for 43 years. According to legend, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were built to surprise and please Nebuchadnezzar's wife, Amitis. Amitis, the daughter of the king of Media, married Nebuchadnezzar to create an alliance between the nations. She came from a green, sunny country, and the sun-dried terrain of Mesopotamia seemed depressing to her. The king decided to recreate his homeland by creating artificial mountains with gardens. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon got their name not because they hung like a cable or rope. The name comes from an inaccurate translation Greek word, which means not only "hanging", but "overhanging", as is the case with a terrace or balcony.
Halicarnassus Mausoleum
In 377 BC, the city of Halicarnassus was the capital of a small kingdom along the Mediterranean coast of Asia Minor. It was in this year that the ruler of this land died and left control of the kingdom to his son, Mausolus. Mausolus continued the expansion of the territory begun by his father, reaching the southwestern part of Asia Minor. Mausolus, with his queen, ruled Halicarnassus and the surrounding territories for 24 years. Mausolus, although he was a local resident, spoke excellent Greek and admired the Greek way of life and government.
Then, in 353 BC. Mausolus died, leaving his queen alone, who was also his sister (It was a local custom for rulers to marry their own sister), with broken hearted. As a tribute to him, she decided to build the most magnificent Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, which became his tomb. Soon the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus became a well-known building, and now the name of Mausolus is associated with all the majestic tombs, since it was from his name that the word "mausoleum" appeared. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was so beautiful and unique that it became one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Statue of Olympian Zeus
The statue was in the temple of Olympian Zeus, in Olympia, a city in the region of Elis, where the Olympic Games were held every four years - competitions of Greek and then Roman athletes. The Greeks considered unfortunate those who did not see the statue of Zeus in the temple.
The entire temple, including the roof, was built of marble. It was surrounded by 34 massive shell rock columns. Each was 10.5 meters high and over 2 meters thick. The area of the temple was 64 × 27 m. On the outer walls of the temple there were slabs with bas-reliefs depicting 12 labors of Hercules. Bronze doors, 10 meters high, opened the entrance to the cult room of the temple.
Alexandrian lighthouse
It was built in the 3rd century BC. e. in the Egyptian city of Alexandria, so that the ships could safely pass the reefs on their way to the Alexandrian Bay. At night they were helped in this by the reflection of the flames, and during the day by a column of smoke. It was the first lighthouse in the world, and it stood for almost a thousand years.
The Pharos lighthouse consisted of three marble towers, standing on a base of massive stone blocks. The first tower was rectangular, it contained rooms in which workers and soldiers lived. Above this tower was a smaller, octagonal tower with a spiral ramp leading to the top tower. The upper tower was shaped like a cylinder, in which a fire burned, helping the ships safely reach the bay. The total height of the lighthouse is 120-140 meters, its light could be seen at a distance of 60 km (according to other evidence, up to 100 km).
A large amount of fuel was required to keep the flame going. The tree was brought along a spiral ramp on carts pulled by mules. Behind the flames were bronze plates that cast light into the sea.
To XII century n. e. the Alexandrian bay was so filled with silt that the ships could no longer use it. The lighthouse fell into disrepair. The bronze plates that served as mirrors were probably melted down into coins. In the 14th century, the lighthouse was completely destroyed by an earthquake.
Not so long ago, a couple of years ago, regular elections were held, where new wonders of the world were determined.
Big Circus It was the largest stadium in
the whole history of mankind.
He could take a third of the population
Rome - 350 thousand people.
The entrance to the Grand Circus was
free, on account
states.
The Big Circus was 500 m long,
in width - 150 m, and in height -
over 30 m. Four tiers
spectator rows covered
race circle with a loop of length
1300m.
Trajan wanted to erect a monument
to its glory, and the Big Circus
perfect for this
better: here he could meet
crowd, and at the same level.
Forum of Trajan
Forum of Trajan
The Great Circus brought Trajanpopularity. But on this
the emperor did not stop. He
was the greatest builder
Rome and built another miracle
architecture
The area alone had
over 200 meters long and was
lavishly decorated with fine
galleries and statues of Trajan. There
the market was located
library and courts. On the forum
a majestic
Trajan's column
Forum of Trajan
The column was decoratedwonderful in their own way
relief expressiveness,
talking about the military
victories of the emperor
successful Roman campaigns
armies to cross the Danube and
capture of the territory of modern
Romania.
When an ordinary Roman entered
to Trajan's Forum, it's like
fell into another world. Roman
fled from the stench, crowding and
the squalor of their everyday
life in these shining rocks
marble topped with roofs
gilded bronze.
Forum of Trajan
However, Trajan's Forum was conceived not just asTown Square. To guarantee yourself
popular recognition, Trajan ordered to build on
Forum is the first ever shopping center - so
called Trajan's Market.
aqueducts
. Aqueducts - greataccomplishment of engineering
thoughts. They failed
the purest water directly to
homes of a million people
Rome. Graceful, walking on
landscaped arches and underground
tunnels brought to the city -
hard to believe - a billion
tons of fresh water daily.
This fantastic system
became the lifeblood of Rome and
engineering model for
cities of all subsequent
times.
aqueducts
When transferring the aqueduct throughthe river was attached to the supports
greater strength thanks to
streamlined shape. But if
the aqueduct was very high,
there was a possibility
twisting. Therefore, the height
arches was limited to 21
meter. However, for
maintaining the gradient
aqueducts sometimes had to
build higher. In this case
over the first level of arches
the second one was placed. Aqueduct in
Nime had as many as three levels
with a total height of 55 m.
Baths of Caracalla
Along with Caligula andNero Caracalla was
one of the most cruel
rulers of Rome.
The Emperor was so
hate so much
decided to build
the Romans are a real miracle,
to get them
location and whitewash
yourself in their eyes.
10. Baths of Caracalla
Almost been in Romethousand public baths.
But the Baths of Caracalla
eclipsed them all. Their area
was 110 thousand square meters. m.
Only one central
there was more space
than St. Peter's. For
water supply from Aqua
Marcia" was let down
side branch.
11. Baths of Caracalla
In addition to water procedures,The terms have been adapted and
for various other activities.
There was a gymnasium and
exercise rooms and
also libraries, rooms
for meetings and gardens. To
visitor service was
massage, hairdresser, manicure
and pedicure
Entering Thermae was
blinded by the radiance
countless facets of marble,
the beauty of the wall and
floor mosaics.
12. Roads
First Roman roadwas the Via Appia, begun in
312 BC e.
Over the next
two hundred years from Rome to
the farthest corners
empire was laid
general road network
300 thousand
kilometers. Soon all
Europe in the west, all lands
to Judea in the east and to
Egypt in the south came under
the power of Rome.
13. Pantheon
14. Pantheon
This temple is dedicatedto all the gods, was built
under Emperor Hadrian.
Little is known about the Pantheon.
We don't know him
original name, not
we know what it is for
was used.
It is assumed that there was
Hadrian's courtyard, there were statues
Roman gods. However, his
exact destination
unknown.
15. Pantheon
Like timelessThe Pantheon remains the most
surviving Roman
construction, marking one of
greatest achievements
world architecture.
Greek portico support
16 beautiful columns,
hewn from the Egyptian
granite and brought from Aswan.
Traverses above them were once
sheathed in bronze. From here
giant bronze doors
6.5 m high lead to a huge
round hall the size of
half of the football field.
16. Pantheon
Dome of the Pantheonreaching a diameter of 44 m,
became a masterpiece of engineering
Sciences.
This is the largest vault in
history, built without
use of reinforced concrete.
Thanks to this incredible
domed interior of the Pantheon
looks fantastic.
The vault is crowned by the oculus - round
nine hole diameter
meters. This amazing
the detail saved the vault from the point
maximum load than
contributed to longevity
building.
17. Colosseum
Colosseum, entertainment arena and temple of death. This building was the mostthe largest and most terrible of all the Roman amphitheatres. For him
magnificent walls played out terrifying scenes of fights,
torture and bloodshed. Surpassing the height of sixteen stories
building, the Colosseum accommodated over 80 thousand spectators.
18. Colosseum
The idea to build the Colosseumarose after the death of Nero.
His reign of terror is so
dropped the spirit
society that his successor
Vespasian had to create
something exceptional to
regain the support of the people.
The first three levels along the facade
girded with arcades, 4th level
made from monolithic
concrete wall lined
brick.
The walls of the Colosseum are pierced
labyrinth of vaulted tunnels.
Through seventy-six entrances
crowds of spectators flowed in and
occupied the top
19. Colosseum
surrounded the central arenaoval design
(Colosseum. Interior).
Best Places
intended for
emperor, next to him
Senators and vestals were seated.
On the next tier
disposed to know. More
above - soldiers and citizens.
The last tier was occupied
people of the lower classes.
The worst places were assigned
women.
Protected the audience from the sun
huge awning.
20. The Seven Wonders of Ancient Rome were an outstanding accomplishment that raised architecture and engineering to a peak not surpassed by more than a thousand
The Seven Wonders of Ancient Rome werean outstanding accomplishment that lifted
architecture and engineering science
a peak not surpassed yet
over a thousand years. their courage
design to this day serves as an example
for architects, encouraging them
develop new materials
set and solve new problems,
to do like the Romans - to build,
looking to the future.
Editor Stepan Stepanovich Zakharchenko
Corrector Tatyana Petrovna Leus
Illustrator Yuri Nikolaevich Kirillov
Cover design Yuri Nikolaevich Kirillov
© Elena Kuarta, 2017
© Yuri Nikolaevich Kirillov, illustrations, 2017
ISBN 978-5-4485-8694-1
Created with the intelligent publishing system Ridero
The ancient Romans treated the number "7" with special reverence. According to tradition, Rome was founded on seven hills and ruled by seven kings. As you understand, there were more hills and some of them had two tops.
The period of royal rule before the founding of the Republic lasted about 250 years. At that time, the average life of a person was short, and especially those who came to power. So the rule of Rome with only seven kings cannot be plausible. Let's say that the names of the main seven hills and the names of the most important kings have entered history.
Following the tradition of the number 7 so beloved by the Romans, I also draw your attention to seven places in Rome that are outstanding and especially loved by tourists.
Rome is a city of contradictions, which is often associated with the power of the Roman Empire and monumentality. It was the capital of a pagan empire, and became the capital of Christianity. Here, for centuries, a tough and merciless struggle for power simultaneously coexisted with the manifestation of refined taste in art, painting and architecture.
Well, we put on comfortable shoes so as not to upholster our feet on Roman cobblestones, take a bottle of water, a camera, a good mood and go ...
“Our places are so crowded with immortals that it’s easier to stumble upon a god here than a man”
Petronius "Satyricon".This is a very special place in Rome. Here is one of the most ancient temples in the world, which is still in operation - the Pantheon.
The Pantheon was built almost 2 thousand years ago and holds many surprises and secrets. During excursions, the following questions are often asked: “Why did they make a hole in the dome? Why was the Pantheon not destroyed, like other ancient Roman buildings? how unclosed was built dome from non-reinforced cement weighing in 5 thousand tons and a diameter of 43.3 m?
We are still exactly we do not know who was its architect, what it was originally called, and what was the true purpose of building the Pantheon.
And now some historical information
Pantheon(Greek Pàntheion) is one of the most famous and perfect monuments of Ancient Rome. Translated from Greek its name means "a temple dedicated to all the gods."
Even then, in ancient times, the Pantheon was built using revolutionary technologies and is now a unique example antique architecture. In most cases, sacred temples were built in such a way that they were admired from the outside without going inside. It was forbidden to mere mortals. And only the priests had access. But in the Pantheon this criterion was not adhered to. Undoubtedly, it was outwardly monumental, but it amazed and delighted with its interior decoration.
Also this is one of the best preserved pagan ancient Roman temples, due to the fact that already in the Middle Ages (May 13, 609) Pope Boniface IV converted him to Christianity catholic church dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary and the Holy Martyrs (Santa Maria ad Martyres).
The original Pantheon was built in 27-25 AD. BC e. Mark Vipsanius Agrippa , son-in-law of Emperor Augustus in honor of the divine protectors of the Julius family (gens Julia). Here originally worshiped the guardian gods of the Augusta clan, the gods of the 7 Planets: the Sun, the Moon, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mercury and Mars. The authorship of Agrippa is evidenced by the inscription under the tympanum of the portico: “M. AGRIPPA L F COS TERTIUM FECIT" ("Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, elected consul for the third time, erected this"). Of course, in this moment, this inscription is not entirely relevant, since the temple built by Agrippa, was destroyed by fire in 80 AD. and rebuilt in its current form by the emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125. AD. In just 7 years!
Excavations revealed that the building built by Agrippa had a rectangular plan and was oriented in the opposite direction from the current direction, that is, to the south. And the emperor-philosopher Adrian still preferred a rounded shape. Therefore, his Pantheon and Mausoleum are built in this way. Some scholars believe that the architect of this grandiose project was Apollodorus, while others - the emperor Hadrian himself.
Entering the Pantheon portico , the ceiling of which in ancient Rome was covered with bronze. Admire their power 16 monolithic granite columns portico gray and pink, brought from Egypt. Just imagine how many thousands of kilometers they had to overcome during transportation!
There is also no limit to surprise when we look at original 7 meter bronze gates of the temple (138 AD) and we see that they are still in place and functional! Every evening these gates are locked. This is what "made in ancient Rome" quality means. These are the highest bronze gates of antiquity!
We go inside this miracle of architecture with amazing acoustics and notice that the Pantheon is a huge round building with a majestic coffered dome, having diameter 43.30 m . equal to the height. Thus inside the Pantheon could fit a 43.30 m balloon.. Roman architects often built domes, but none came close to the dimensions of the Pantheon. Usually they were 2 times smaller. Of course, the size of the dome is still impressive today! They were achieved only in 1400 by the architect Brunelleschi during the construction of the Duomo in Florence.
The dome of the Pantheon is supported walls 6 m wide . This true masterpiece of engineering was created entirely on wooden formwork and is the widest dome ever built. It was used in its construction 5 types of cement .
The Pantheon is illuminated only through central hole with a diameter of 9 meters , so-called oculus (eye). Looking at today's gray dome, you need to dream a little and imagine that it was originally dark blue, and in each coffered hole (each square) there were bronze gilded stars.
There is a claim that these stars, like the bronze that was in the portico, went to the construction of the canopy of the papal altar in the center of St. Peter's Cathedral and to smelt 80 cannons, also needed by Pope Barberini (Barberini). After that, a saying appeared in Rome that "what the barbarians didn't do, the Barberini did"("Quod non fecerunt Barbari, fecerunt Barberini").
Although a very recent study by the scientist Louis Rice, who had access to the secret papal archives, suggests the opposite: in Bernini's canopy there is not a drop of antique bronze taken from the Pantheon. She completely went to the smelting of guns. This information is currently only available on English language, and got into the Italian press thanks to the art historian Tomaso Montanari.
And since there is a hole in the dome, the question arises: “What happens when it rains? Does water get inside?
Of course, water gets in. True, its minimum amount, since warm air pushes water out due to the so-called fireplace effect.
Look carefully at the marble floor of the temple. Here are 22 holes for draining water . During rain, the central part of the Pantheon is blocked so that none of the tourists slips.
The former pagan temple eventually turned into a mausoleum of great people. The remains of the great artist Raphael Santi lie in the Pantheon, who wished to be buried here, architects Baldassare Peruzzi, Vignola, as well as kings Victor Emmanuel II, Umberto I and Queen Margherita.
The Pantheon, according to the provisions of the Lateran Treaty, acquires the status of the national church of all Italians. This innovation was first recorded in the history of Italy.
The painting by Hippolyte Caffi "Veduta di piazza del Pantheon" captured ridiculous bell towers (“donkey ears”) attached to the Pantheon by Bernini. They were ridiculed and removed in 1883.