The building of the Pantheon of Agrippa, located in Rome, raises a fundamental question in the history of art and, especially, in architecture: are conceptual ideas the driving force behind technical innovations, or are technical possibilities what allow new forms of expression? Over time, the relationship between art and technique has evolved according to the cultural and technological context of each era.
The Pantheon is a masterpiece with a clear symbolic goal: to establish a connection between the earthly and the divine through the representation of a perfect sphere. This form, of colossal dimensions, is materialized thanks to an unprecedented dome in ancient architecture, unsurpassed for centuries. Its realization was made possible through the development of innovative structural and construction techniques, and an advanced use of new materials. These solutions allow the building to transcend functionality and become a symbol of cosmic harmony and the relationship between humans and celestial deities.
One of the most notable aspects of the Pantheon is the structural design of its dome. It features a progressive reduction in the thickness of the section, from 6 meters at the base to only 1.2 meters around the oculus. This solution reduces the weight of the structure without compromising its strength, maintaining the geometric balance that symbolizes the sky. The dome is also crowned by an open central oculus, eliminating weight, which acts as a source of natural light and symbolizes the sun, positioned at the center of the Universe.
Another important aspect is the construction solutions that optimize the density and arrangement of materials within the building. At the base, travertine, a heavier material, is used, while lighter materials, such as tuff and pumice, are employed in the upper layers. This intelligent stratification reduces the load on the higher parts of the structure, ensuring global stability and reinforcing its symbolic monumentality.
Another fundamental advance lies in the materials, with the introduction of Roman concrete, made of lime, water, and various aggregates. This material allowed the creation of previously unknown shapes and dimensions. The dome features five rows of twenty-eight coffers that, in addition to reducing the weight, act as compression ribs, optimizing its structural efficiency. These five rows also have clear symbolism: they represent the five planets known in ancient times within the previously mentioned celestial sphere.
The buttresses integrated into the chapels at the base are another example of technical innovation. These structures help absorb the horizontal forces caused by the dome, while also defining the spaces for worship dedicated to the deities. This symbolic, functional, and structural integration demonstrates the excellent architectural mastery of the Romans, who achieved a balance between lightness, strength, and stability.
The durability of the Pantheon, which has not suffered significant structural or constructive deficiencies over the centuries, is a testament to the technical precision applied in its construction. Studies such as those carried out by the Jutland Archaeological Society, or the structural calculations with finite elements by Mark and Hutchinson (1986) and Morer and Goñi (2008), have confirmed its resistance to the passage of time.
The Pantheon stands as a masterpiece of architecture in which religious function, political grandeur, and cosmic symbolism are all combined through form, thanks to the technical and technological advances of the time. This construction has endured as an exceptional testimony to the harmony between art, technique, and ideology, reflecting the values and vision of Rome. However, without this architectural development, the symbolic relationship of the Roman Empire with the universe and the reaffirmation of its power could not have been materialized.
