The original Pantheon of Rome was built between 27 & 25 BCE, under the consulship of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. It was dedicated to 12 gods of heaven and focused on Augustus’ cult and Romans believed that Romulus ascended to heaven from this spot. Agrippa’s structure, which was rectangular, was destroyed in 80 CE and what we see today is a reconstruction done in 118 CE under the leadership of emperor Hadrian, who even restored the original inscription on the facade.
Origin of the Pantheon in Rome
Model of the Pantheon in Rome, as it Appeared during the Roman Empire
From Austin Cline, About.com
Model of the Pantheon in Rome, as it Appeared during the Roman Empire
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