Many words may be said regarding the Pantheon, but visiting this magnificent sample of Ancient Roman architecture, is something different. Especially if you do it with an Architect. The construction system of the Pantheon has been a mystery for for centuries. Mystery that only in the nineteenth century was resolved. Even though, still, many guide books, some of them written by archaeologist and in sale today in Rome, are giving explanations regarding its engineering, that most architects refused.
One of those guide books say “the Pantheon’s“ dome of 43.3 metres width, equal to the height, was built turning a concrete flow on a unique slight arch”. ” . This assertion has been completely rejected by architects and engineers. The firsts studies regarding the Pantheon’s construction system, were accomplished in 1892 by the Architects Armannini and Beltrami and continued in 1930 by the professor Terenzio. Both studies confirm that the spherical cup with a great oculus on the summit lays on huge arches embedded in the huge mass of concrete of the dome’s lower section. These arches that are supported by 8 big pillars of 18 feet width. The entire dome follows a sequence of different constructing materials to reduce slightly the weight. While in the lower concrete layers are employed travertine and bricks or tufa, in the highest are used concrete with pumice stone.
