RESEARCH: Oculus (Roman Architecture)

The doorstep of heaven: the feeling of timeless evasionThe pantheon is one of the most famous pieces of architecture remaining from the ancient Rome. This marvelous edifice has been built between 125 and 118 B.C. by the emperor Hadrian to honor the pagan gods. The emperor Hadrian was used to never put his name on temple leading to the inscription on the front entrance 

“M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COSTERTIUM.FECIT”“Marcus Agrippa son of Lucius” 

The specificities of the architecture of this temple, like the massive bronze door, which has disappeared today and the triangle section on the entrance celebrate the battle of titans. The state of conservation of this building is due to the catholic, which have used later in history, this temple as a church. This change explains the modification of the building and the melted art that can appear in this place of history. 

In contrast to other building made in the same era, the pantheon is distinguishable by its architecture. The mega structure of the dome is supported by height arches, which are noticeable on the floor level as the house of statues. The architecture skills of the Romans have led them to gradually used lighter and lighter materials as they move to the top of the dome. This materials engineering was necessary to sustain the heavy weight of the dome, which is equivalent to a 43.2m diameter sphere. 

On the central part of the dome stand the Oculus, a door between gods and humans made by an unknown architect and resulting form years of marvelous roman engineering. This inner part of the dome would have been online casino’sgilded, making this place one of the gem of the Ancient Rome. The Oculus of the Roman pantheon, which refers to a circular window in the classical architecture, is probably the biggest one ever built. The Oculus which has never been covered since its creation let the rain fall on the convex floor of the dome to be evacuated through a drainpipes system hidden underneath, built by the Romans and which is still operating. 

In this mythic place of history the only source of light come from this Oculus which shape second after second, minute after minute the magnificence of the inner wall of the dome, making every single visit a different experience. This place has always been a scene of intrigue and mystery. Many books and movies like the da Vinci code of Dan Brown have used this incredible place to share with you this feeling of timeless evasion.