In the entire history of building nothing is purer nothing is harder… than these walls that suspend in space tiers arches and vaults and spread to the confines of the known world the legalistic and order-bestowing spirit of the Romans.

Roman art represents a continuation of Greek tradition. But unlike the Greeks who built temples of great beauty the ancient Romans with their arches and vaults built grandiose and ostentatious public buildings. The genius of the Romans found its most powerful expression in the field of architecture where they displayed remarkable skill and science. Their temples amphitheaters baths roads bridges and aqueducts proclaim the grandeur that was Rome.

The most important contribution of ancient Rome to the art of building is the concept of space. And of all the monuments it is the Pantheon—the circular temple to all the gods the "epitome of the force of Rome"—that conveys a powerful sense of enclosed space. Its rotunda seems to be a world in itself. Here the arch principle of construction takes the form of a dome. With its highly organized system of arches the Pantheon conveys a sense of balanced geometrical unity. As one writer observes: "Here was a form which shaped space and not matter; it seemed to transcend earthly conditions and to reach a new freedom."

The dome is cut off from view in front by the porch of columns surmounted by a broad pediment. The inner surface of the dome is decorated with a pattern of rectangular recessed panels known as coffers. The interior with its columns and colored marble paneling of the wall surfaces is awe-inspiring and harmonious. From the circular opening at the top known as oculus light enters suffusing the great hall below. This is the only source of light in the interior. This `eye' of the dome which lets in `the light of heaven,' can obviously have symbolic and spiritual associations in the world of art. In simple terms we may visualize it as a means of access to divine wisdom.

The Analyst Magazine, Monumental Expressions, Roman Art, Greek Tradition, Spiritual Associations, Architectural Monument, Gladiatorial Games, Roman Emperors, Architectural Compositions, Roman Houses, Decorative Architectural Themes, Roman Empire.