Two ancient marvels, the Greek Parthenon and the Roman Pantheon, are a testiment to their societies power and attempt at perfection. After five years the construction of the Parthenon ended in 432 B.C.E., Pericles showed the renewal of Greek power after the sacking of the Acropolis in the second Greco-Persian war. The ability to use Delian funds to rebuild this temple signified the return of Greek control. The building of the Pantheon was also a showing of Roman power, after conquering Egypt the Romans were able to fashion four massive columns fro Egyptian granite and fit them into place at the front of the Pantheon. The floorplans of both buildings reflects the architecture of the other culture, the rectangular foundation of the Parthenon was Romanesque, while the facade on the front of the Pantheon and the geometry that was used to create the structure was unmistakeably Greek. The geometrics of the two buildings are perfect for their structure. The greek Parthenon’s 80 columns distributed the weight of the massive roof and ceiling perfectly, while the structure of the domed Pantheon is a mathematical and architectural feat that marvels people even today.
