The Parthenon in Athens and the Pantheon in Rome are two of the most famous ancient buildings in the world, serving as iconic examples of the culture and heritage of Greece and Rome, respectively. Both buildings were constructed for religious purposes, but their styles and functions reflect the unique characteristics of each civilization and highlight the similarities and differences between ancient Greece and Rome.
The Parthenon was built in the 5th century BCE in the city of Athens, Greece (Reed College, n.d.). It was dedicated to the goddess Athena and served as a temple for her worship. The Parthenon is a prime example of the classical Greek architectural style, characterized by its use of columns, pediments, and intricate sculptures (Reed College, n.d.). The building's façade is symmetrical, with eight columns at the front and back and seventeen columns on each side (Reed College, n.d.). The sculptures on the pediments and friezes depict myths and legends, offering a visual representation of Greek mythology and reinforcing the religious significance of the building (Reed College, n.d.).
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It was originally used as a temple for the worship of the gods and was later converted into a church in the 7th century (Smart History, n.d.). The Pantheon is a prime example of Roman architectural style, which incorporated elements from Greek and Etruscan architecture (Smart History, n.d.). The building is famous for its dome, which is made of concrete and is considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the ancient world (Smart History, n.d.). The Pantheon's interior is circular, with a dome that rises to a height of 143 feet, making it one of the largest unsupported concrete domes in the world (Smart History,