Pantheon vs. Parthenon: Understanding the Key Differences

If a friend mentioned visiting the Pantheon during their European trip, would you envision an ancient temple adorned with white marble columns? Now, imagine they also planned to see the Parthenon. Would your mental image remain the same?

Many people often confuse the Pantheon and the Parthenon, and it's understandable given their strikingly similar names. However, these two structures are vastly different and located in entirely separate countries.

For example, the Parthenon is located in Athens, Greece, while the Pantheon stands in Rome, Italy. The name 'Parthenon' derives from the Greek term parthenos, an epithet for the goddess Athena, signifying "virgin." On the other hand, 'Pantheon' originates from Greek as well, with pan meaning "all" and theos meaning "gods," indicating it honors all deities rather than a single one.

In essence, these two iconic ancient structures share almost no similarities.

To uncover the distinct characteristics of these temples, we consulted Christopher Ratté, a classical archaeologist and professor at the University of Michigan, and Dr. C. Brian Rose, curator-in-charge of the Mediterranean Section at the Penn Museum, who has over 40 years of archaeological fieldwork experience.

1. They Were Built in Different Centuries

The Parthenon and the Pantheon are among the most renowned temples from ancient Greece (specifically Athens) and ancient Rome. The Pantheon was erected in the second century C.E., whereas the Parthenon, as it stands today, was constructed much earlier, around 447 B.C.E. However, as the saying goes, neither was built overnight.

The Pantheon remains one of the most well-preserved structures from ancient Rome, constructed between 126 and 128 C.E. under the rule of Emperor Hadrian, who reigned from 117 to 138 C.E.

"Hadrian's reign was largely peaceful and prosperous, with abundant wealth across the empire," Rose explains. "This economic prosperity is evident in the ambitious construction projects of the time. The Pantheon, primarily built with concrete, features an interior adorned with marble sourced from Egypt, Greece, Asia Minor, and North Africa. These imported materials underscore the Pantheon's role as a symbol of the Roman Empire's vast reach."

In contrast, the Parthenon took 15 years to complete, according to Rose. It was erected between 447 and 432 B.C.E. in the aftermath of the Persian Wars, serving as a monument to the Greeks' triumph over the Persians.

During this period, Athens, under the leadership of the commander Pericles, dominated the Greek world. The city had access to a treasury that could fund further military efforts if the Persians returned. This treasury also financed the construction of the Parthenon.

The Greeks attributed their victory to the goddess Athena, which is why her statue was prominently displayed in the temple's main chamber during that era.

2. They Honor Different Gods

Although both structures were erected to honor deities, the Parthenon was dedicated to Athena, while the Pantheon was constructed to venerate all the gods of Rome.

"Both structures carry significant cultural meanings," Ratté explains. "The Parthenon serves as a victory monument and a representation of Athenian dominance, whereas the Pantheon reflects the architectural grandeur of Roman imperial power."

Originally, the Parthenon housed a colossal statue of Athena, crafted by the renowned Greek sculptor and architect Phidias. This statue, standing over 37 feet (11.5 meters) tall, was made of gold and ivory. Dedicated in 438 B.C.E., it remained in place for a millennium before vanishing.

3. The Designs Are Similar But Not the Same

At first glance, one might assume the Parthenon's architecture inspired the Pantheon's design. However, this assumption is incorrect.

The Parthenon, perched atop a hill in Athens, showcases the Doric and Ionic architectural styles, two of the three classical orders. Its exterior columns, designed in the Doric style, subtly incline inward to create the appearance of perfect straight lines.

The Pantheon's most striking feature is its enormous domed ceiling and rotunda, which was the largest of its kind in the world when built in the second century. Today, the Pantheon stands in central Rome on the site of the original Roman Pantheon, constructed around 25 B.C.E. by Marcus Agrippa, the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus.

While the Parthenon remains in its original form, the Pantheon has undergone multiple reconstructions, primarily due to the frequent fires that plagued Rome.

"The Pantheon's structure has evolved over time... it represents a far more audacious engineering feat [than the Parthenon] due to its massive dome — the largest of its kind in antiquity, unmatched until the Renaissance," explains Rose.

4. Today One Is a Church, One Is a Museum

Both the Pantheon and the Parthenon welcome tourists, but their roles differ significantly. "The Pantheon remains largely intact, resembling its original state, though some interior decorations have been modified," Ratte notes. Today, the Pantheon functions as a Roman Catholic church, where visitors can explore much of its original architecture and gain insights through guided tours.

Despite being severely damaged by the Venetians in 1687, Ratte points out that "the Parthenon is still among the best-preserved Greek temples, with many of its fallen columns restored." Today, it primarily serves as a museum showcasing ancient Greek history.

Although the two structures differ in many ways, they also share several similarities. Both were originally constructed as temples and later converted into churches during the early Middle Ages — Bernini added bell towers to the Pantheon, though these have since been removed.

Both designs heavily incorporate columns and have endured centuries of destruction, looting, and reconstruction efforts.