Question

In the Pantheon, the central oculus in the dome was the Pantheon's only outdoor light source and this, too, was symbolic as it alluded to both the son of God and the all-seeing eye of ________.

1) Zeus
2) Horus
3) Ra
4) Jupiter

Answer 1

The central oculus in the Pantheon's dome symbolized the all-seeing eye of Jupiter, aligning with the Roman belief system and the emperor’s role. The dome was made from unreinforced concrete with a coffered ceiling, which is a testament to Roman engineering.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central oculus in the dome of the Pantheon was indeed the only source of outdoor light for the building and served symbolic purposes. It alluded not only to the son of God but also to the all-seeing eye of Jupiter, the most powerful and important of all the Roman gods. This symbolism is based on the Roman religious beliefs, which held Jupiter in esteem comparable to that of Zeus in Greek mythology. In the context of the Pantheon, the oculus let in a sunbeam which tracked across the interior, marking celestial events or time, and symbolized the role of the emperor in maintaining cosmic order, much like Jupiter overseeing the divine cosmos. The Pantheon’s dome was an architectural marvel constructed using unreinforced concrete, making it extremely durable and allowing it to stand for centuries as the largest dome of its kind. The construction technique involved pouring concrete into a coffered ceiling mold, getting lighter as it rose towards the oculus. This building technique was forgotten in the West after the fall of Rome and only rediscovered in modern times. Its longevity is a testament to the advanced building processes of the Romans.