While ancient Greece and Rome are too vast of cultures to define with any one piece of architecture, the Parthenon and the Pantheon are the structures that symbolize their respective cultures the best. The Parthenon which was completed in 432 BC was built during a time of innovation for the Greeks who were fresh off their victory over Persia. The Parthenon, and its mathematical design represent the attitude of the Greeks believing in their near perfection at the time. The Pantheon was a technological innovation as buildings were built in the style of the Parthenon before it, and it pioneered the domed roof that helped create more space and stability.
The Parthenon was innovative in its own…show more content… The Parthenon was built with exacting measures, each pillar keeping a 9:4 ratio of height and width. The Parthenon viewed from the front also fit perfectly into a golden rectangle, a mathematical term used to describe a supposed perfect ratio, and implies that structures built in this ratio are more aesthetically pleasing (Markowsky, 1992). The Pantheon in contrast to the Parthenon used a domed roof, which allowed the weight to be evenly distributed 360 degrees across the circumference of the structure rather than putting all the weight downward on each pillar like a flat roof. This was a technical innovation as it took advantage of natural forces like gravity and reliance on compression and tension to create a stable structure that allowed more interior space. The oculus at the pinnacle of the Pantheon also allowed light to pierce through the interior, and lessened the weight of the roof, giving it more longevity (Penn, 2015). The mathematical perfection of the Parthenon represented Greek culture at the time as a people who were composed of some of the greatest minds of their time, and weren't afraid of venturing into massive constructions in the name of religion. The innovative dome of the Pantheon represented the ancient Roman cultures desire to expand and advance over the already impressive knowledge of the Greeks.
While Ancient Greece and Rome can be distilled through may other buildings and artworks, the Parthenon and Pantheon each comprise the key features of each of these two incredible cultures. They both were the pinnacles of achievement for their respective societies, and symbolize the majesty of their cultures. By analyzing these two buildings, it can be seen that they both have had a massive influence on architecture to this
