Written Assignment, Unit 02: Art History
University of the People
AHIST-1401-01
Student Group 0004
Instructor: Gursimran Kaur Butalia
Subject: A Comparative Analysis of the Parthenon and the Pantheon
Introduction
Ancient architecture stands as a testament to the cultural values and technological advancements
of its time. The Parthenon in Athens and the Pantheon in Rome are two exemplary structures that
not only showcase the architectural prowess of ancient Greece and Rome but also reflect the
distinct cultural and religious priorities of their respective societies. This essay explores how the
style and function of the Parthenon and the Pantheon exemplify the characteristics of their
cultures, highlighting both similarities and differences between ancient Greece and Rome.
Architectural Style and Function of the Parthenon
The Parthenon, located on the Acropolis of Athens, is an exemplary piece of ancient Greek
architecture, embodying the principles of classical Greek design. Constructed between 447 and
432 BCE, it was originally built as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the
Athenians considered their patron deity (Reed College, 2015). The Parthenon is renowned for its
Doric order, characterized by its simplicity and emphasis on proportion and harmony. Its exterior
features the iconic columns with simple capitals and no base, reflecting the Greeks' preference
for restrained and balanced aesthetics (Reed College, 2015).
Functionally, the Parthenon served as both a temple and a symbol of Athenian pride. It housed a
massive statue of Athena, crafted by the sculptor Phidias, which was a focal point of religious
worship. Additionally, the building was an symbol of Athenian democracy and civic identity,
showcasing the city's wealth and cultural achievements through its elaborate sculptures and
decorative reliefs (Reed College, 2015).
Page 1 of 4
Architectural Style and Function of the Pantheon
In contrast, the Pantheon in Rome, completed around 126 CE during the reign of Emperor
Hadrian, exemplifies Roman architectural innovation and grandeur. Unlike the Parthenon, the
Pantheon employs the Roman use of the Corinthian order, which is more ornate and features
elaborate capitals with acanthus leaves and floral designs (Smarthistory, 2024). The Pantheon's
most striking feature is its dome, which was an architectural marvel of its time. The dome’s
oculus—the central opening—serves as the building’s only source of natural light and
symbolizes the connection between the temple and the divine (Smarthistory, 2024).
The Pantheon was originally built as a temple to all the Roman gods, reflecting the Romans’
syncretic approach to religion, which embraced a pantheon of deities from various cultures.
Functionally, it was a demonstration of the emperor’s power and the reach of Roman
engineering. The building’s massive and open interior, with its unbroken dome and harmonious
proportions, symbolizes the Roman ideals of universality and imperial grandeur (Smarthistory,
2024).
Comparative Analysis:
Similarities:
Both the Parthenon and the Pantheon were designed to inspire awe and reverence in those
who encountered them. The Parthenon's towering columns and ornate carvings evoke a
sense of reverence for the divine, while the Pantheon's massive dome and imposing
façade command respect for the power and authority of Rome.
Another notable similarity between the two buildings is their use of classical orders
(Doric, Ionic, Corinthian). Both cultures employed these orders to create a sense of
harmony and proportion in their buildings (Vitruvius, 1.2.2-3).
Additionally, both cultures valued ornamentation and decoration in their architecture, as
seen in the intricate carvings and sculptures on the Parthenon's frieze and the Pantheon's
interior columns.
Page 2 of 4
Differences:
1) The Parthenon’s emphasis on proportion, balance, and simplicity reflects the Greek ideals of
rationalism and beauty. Its function as a temple dedicated to Athena underscores the Greeks’
focus on individual deities and civic pride (Reed College, 2015).
Conversely
The Pantheon’s innovative use of the dome and its function as a temple for all Roman gods
highlight the Romans’ engineering ingenuity and their integration of diverse religious traditions
(Smarthistory, 2024).
2) In terms of style, the Greeks preferred restrained elegance and mathematical precision, as seen
in the Parthenon’s Doric columns and sculptural reliefs.
Conversely
The Romans, on the other hand, favored grandeur and complexity, which is evident in the
Pantheon’s use of the Corinthian order and its impressive dome.
3) These differences in architectural style reflect broader cultural distinctions between the Greeks
and Romans:
Greeks focused on harmony and proportionality, while Romans prioritized innovation and
imperial representation (Reed College, 2015; Smarthistory, 2024).
Conclusion
The Parthenon and the Pantheon are emblematic of the architectural and cultural priorities of
ancient Greece and Rome, respectively. The Parthenon’s design emphasizes classical simplicity
and civic identity, serving as a testament to Greek values of proportion and devotion. In contrast,
the Pantheon’s grandeur and technical innovation reflect Roman engineering prowess and the
integration of a broad pantheon of deities. Through these structures, we gain valuable insights
into the ways in which ancient societies expressed their cultural values and technological
advancements through architecture.
Page 3 of 4
*Source
1. Reed College. (2015). The Parthenon. Retrieved from
https://web.archive.org/web/20151125183649/http://www.reed.edu/humanities/110Tech/Parthenon.html
2. Smarthistory. (2024). The Pantheon. Retrieved from https://smarthistory.org/the-pantheon/
Page 4 of 4
