The Pantheon, Rome. At its front, sixteen Corinthian columns ‘made in Egypt’ and transported hundreds of miles to Rome, ancient Rome …
The Pantheon of Rome holds a rich historical significance dating back to 27-25 BC when it was initially constructed by the consul Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. According to Roman mythology, this iconic structure was believed to have been built on the spot where Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome, was carried away by an eagle after his passing. The original building unfortunately succumbed to a destructive fire in 80 AD; however, it was the emperor Hadrian who undertook the massive task of reconstructing the Pantheon between 118 and 125 AD, bestowing upon it a new and awe-inspiring design that has endured through the ages.
Interestingly, amidst the grandeur of the Pantheon’s new interior design, an intriguing historical anecdote persists. It is said that Emperor Hadrian was so deeply engrossed in the architectural refinements and embellishments that he became embroiled in a dispute over some technicalities with the principal architect. This altercation escalated to such a degree that Hadrian, consumed by his obsession with the Pantheon’s design, ultimately ordered the architect’s execution. This captivating tale adds a layer of intrigue and drama to the already rich tapestry of the Pantheon’s history, reflecting the profound significance and influence of this ancient marvel.
After the reconstruction, only the original portico with sixteen Corinthian columns was preserved. As a tribute to the consul Agrippa, an inscription was added at the top saying: M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COS.TERTIUM.FECIT, otherwise: “M[arcus] Agrippa L[ucii] f[ilius] co[n]s[ul] tertium fecit”. It means: “Marcus Agrippa son of Lucius consul for the 3rd time built this”.
The massive Corinthian columns supporting the portico are each 12 m tall and 1.5 m in diameter. The column shafts are of granite monoliths that were excavated from two Egyptian quarries. The eight original light grey columns of the front row came from the imperial quarry at Mons Claudianus. The pink column shafts (called pink Aswan) of the middle and back rows came from the Assuan region. They were first dragged many kilometers from the quarries to the Nile river on wooden sleds. Afterward, they were floated by barge down the river when the water level was high enough during the spring floods. Finally, they were brought by ship from Egypt to the Roman port of Ostia and further pulled up the Tiber river to Rome on barges. Quite a challenge having in mind that each of the columns weights around sixty tonnes.
As you may, however, notice on the photo, not all columns in the front row are light grey. In the Middle Ages, the left side of the portico was damaged. Three columns had to be replaced. Another challenge. Finally, one replacement came from Villa of Domitian at Castel Gandolfo (its remains belong today to the Papal estate) in 1626 AD. The other two came from the Baths of Nero (Rome, no longer existent) in 1666 AD.