Parthenon compared to Pantheon... in design, lighting, and shape?

Question

I'm writing a comparitive paper 7-10 pages comparing the structure and design of the Parthenon and Pantheon. similarities and differences.

I know...
The Parthenon was the chief temple of Athena.
The Pantheon was for ALL the gods of Rome...not just a single deity

one was circular the other rectangular. is there anything significant about this?

The parthenon had metops, frieze and pediments. What did the pantheon have in comparison...I don't think it held statues like the parthenon but it was built for "all gods" rather then one diety so you would think they creators would want to makes this structure stand out from the parthenon.

Answer 1

hkmarie,

sounds like an interesting project you have here. If it were my paper/project I would break this up to three distinct categories. The paper would reflect a subtopic of "History" of both, "Structure" dimensions could also eat up a page to 1.5 pages for comparison purposes, and "Use" or "Purpose". I would write these three subtopics out individually ~ for me and how I am I would do this for my individual focus on the areas. Then, I would take these three subtopics and attempt a single paper. Be careful not to mix the subtopics where one would fit to the other.



I have been to the Pantheon in Rome and was amazed at the hole in the roof ~ the design for natural light was (as you know) ahead of its time. Modern day I know too of a really cool music pub down an alley way that was always fun to hang out in (this has nothing to do with your paper but your question brought back a really cool personal memory ~ thank you for this).



Hope this helps and best of luck with your report.

Gerry



Update: hkmarie1 - I think this may be too much based on all the subs you have listed above. This topic will yeild more than 10 pages and your then left in cutting it down; which could be a much more formidable task. I am attempting to work something...will email you through your Profile.



Update2: See this



A. Introduction to Pantheon (a seconcomparativeor #2 comparitive piece)

Transition:

1. History

a. Pantheon built 31 BC – brief description (not too deep because you will go into it later)

b. Parthenon built 437 BC – brief description (not too deep because you will go into it later).

2.A simple 400 years separates the building years.

a. What are the striking similarities? Place here; structurally this is apparent and yet they are unique to the own right of use and design.

b.Something here but it escapes me at the moment.



B. Middle

Transition:

II.

1. structure

a. Details Pantheon/post what is unique that is still unexplainable to this day or questioned.

b. Details Parthenon/same here as in “a” above.

2. dimensions

a. Details Pantheon

b. Details Parthenon

3.Your view here…what do you notice?



C. Middle

Transition:

III.

1. topic

a. Can you imagine if we could place a detailed scaled version of one over the other? Which one would fit to the other? Could these exist in the same neighborhood and on the same street. Could these buildings be neighbors? (Think a little out of the box)



2.Can you attempt to put History, structure, Use/Purpose together here. Possibly drawing a sentence or two from each of the above paragraphs and making it fit?



Update 3: hkmarie1 - I just sent you a sample thesis statement to boot. I am certain you will be able to adjust it as you see fit to accommodate your paper.



Gerry

Answer 2

This looks like an interesting essay to write. I'd outline the essay based on your topic question. So



Introduction:

- brief history of both buildings

- statement of ur subtopics (" this essay will first_____" etc. )



Subtopic 1: design

- talk about who built the buildings

- their sizes are definitely different. You'll have to check that.

- siting- Parthenon on the acropolis, highest point. One in Greece, another in Rome. So one is a Greek temple the other roman. Difference is that Greek temples are dedicated to one god whereas roman temples are to many gods. This is bcos Romans believed that they were victorious in battle n conquering a place because they had the gods on their side. So the pantheon was built for the seven deities of the seven planets of ancient Rome. That's why the plan shows 7 niches, each intended for the seven gods of Rome.

- then u might also want to talk about the sculptures and reliefs of the parthenon.

- the columns on the Parthenon are massive.

- classical orders: parthenon uses the Doric order. It comes across as strong and masculine while pantheon uses the Corinthian order which is more ornate and more elegant. The Doric order also does not have a base.

- Parthenon is octastyle meaning it has eight columns on the front and peripteral meaning it has a single row of columns on all sides. The pantheon is also octastyle. Parthenon columns are designed to subtly slope inwards and the spacing btw the columns add to the effect of straight sturdy columns.

- pediment- sculpture on the Parthenon depicts the birth of Athena.

- in comparison, the interior of the pantheon is more spectacular. Before it was converted into a Christian church, the pediment used to house a bronze relief of Zeus.

- colour- it was discovered in the last decade that the Parthenon was once brightly colored.





Subtopic 2: lighting

-the orientation. The Parthenon was orientated to face the East so that the light from the rising sun would fall upon the statue of Athena. This would add to the 'godliness' of Athena as the people made their journey up to the temple in the morning for prayers.

- pantheon was a little diff cos it's not as open as the parthenon. Only light was through the oculus. I would think that the light falling on the statues at different times of day would have been awe-inspiring. I also remember my lecturer telling me that Hadrian used it as an audience hall n would stand where the light fell so he'd look godlike. The whole place also functioned as a sundial n a meeting place for votes.



Subtopic 3: shape

- the dome. The pantheon. It's a very cool dome. Amazing that the Romans could build such a structure without modern tech like reinforced concrete. Anyway, it has a span of 43 meters. Represents plato's philosophy about perfect forms- the cube, sphere, and equilateral triangle. Imagine the dome- sphere+cube+pyramid can all fit into that space.

The dome is also symbolic as the vault of heaven. The merging of the square base to the circular dome is symbolic of the connection between earth n heaven.

- coffers- important part of the dome structure. For weight distribution, structural integrity and to create the optical effect that the cella is taller and grander than it really is. If you see sections of the dome, it gets thinner nearer the top.

- it would also be good if you could compare plans of the 2 buildings. The parthenon plan is divided into the pronaos (open vestibule) then cella n then the epinaos( rear vestibule).

The pantheon is separated into the front portico then the circular cella. The portico consists of 16 corinthian columns. 8 in front the another two rows of four.



You'll probably need to rearrange some bits. But I hope my notes will help. Do u need to do referencing? I'd recommend borrowing general history books or more specific ones if you have to.



Here are some pics:

http://fvankeur.myweb.uga.edu/classical/temples/ParthenonPlan.jpg

http://ancientworldprojectwikis.wikispaces.com/file/view/pantheon_4views_lg.gif/45902803/pantheon_4views_lg.gif

http://www.conservancyonline.com/images/athena.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X_tqvGx2rL0/TMxET-Z-TZI/AAAAAAAABmw/EAj2texGC9o/s1600/Classical_orders_from_the_Encyclopedie.png

Answer 3

The Pantheon is in Rome and is a temple to all of the Roman gods (the word Pantheon additionally ability number of gods). The Parthenon is in Athens (on the Acropolis) and is the temple of Athena, the buyer deity of the city.