Pantheon
In 476 AD, the fall of the Roman Empire marked the beginning of the Middle Ages. However, before its fall, the empire was divided into the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. In 476, the “Western Roman Empire” fell, while the Eastern Roman Empire, whose capital became Constantinople, preserved Roman culture and became the Byzantine Empire (Tomlinson, 41). And while the architecture of the Byzantine Empire was primarily based on the great legacy of Roman formal and technical achievements, their forms are more different than similar. The Pantheon in Rome “one of the greatest structures and most influential buildings of all time” (Trachtenberg, 139) is often compared to the Hagia Sophia, the “one work that realizes the ideal Byzantine model” (Trachtenberg, 173). Although the Pantheon in Rome has provided a model for the Hagia Sophia, the differentArchitectural styles have proven them more different than alike. The Pantheon in Rome, which was dedicated to all the Gods, was built by Hadrian between AD 118 and 128. It consists of three major elements: a domed cella, a Corinthian porch, and a rectangular structure between the two, connecting them. This was very similar to the basic setup of the traditional Roman temple, however, wh . . .
The giant sunbeam, acts like a “cosmic clock, evoking the presence of the gods to whom the building was dedicated” (Trachtenburg, 141). The effect of the lighting on these two building creates a drastic difference between them. The most elaborate mural decoration is in the spandrels of the main arcades, with astonishing complexity and refinement. The original decorations were lost, however, in ancient times, the cupola was covered with bronze plates, but were already replaced with lead in the Early Middle Ages. Contrastingly, the Hagia Sophia used many colors to show the ‘lightness’ of its walls and domes. Each building has their unique qualities and feel. Then a square was established, with four large piers built at its corners. (Trachtenburg, 141) This solid structure has remained stable since it was built and has not given the caretakers any serious trouble. at makes the Pantheon so remarkable is mainly its size. The Hagia Sophia, on the other hand, has many windows where the light filters in from the aisles and galleries. The pattern of coffering, along with the “illusionistic” depth, extends the hemisphere and somewhat extends the space. The 28-foot diameter oculus, the main source of light in the Pantheon, acts like the sun, generating opulent effects of light and shade with the differing conditions throughout the day. However, the dome at Hagia Sophia has a light airy feel as if it is floating, unlike the Pantheon, whose coffers, although extends the dome, also shows its thickness and weight. Only the ring around the opening has retained its original roofing material. The walls consist of eight large widely separately piers leaving eight niches, with one as the entrance and the others as statues of the gods.
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