Final answer:
The Panthéon in Paris was originally a church dedicated to Paris's patron saint, while the Roman Pantheon was originally created as a temple to all of the gods. Shifts in scholarly interpretations suggest it may also have been a dynastic sanctuary or a ruler cult site.
Step-by-step explanation:
Le Panthéon in Paris was originally built as a church dedicated to St. Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. However, the Roman Pantheon, often confused with its Parisian namesake, was built as a temple to all the gods. This architectural marvel, synonymous with the ancient Roman Empire, faced numerous debates regarding its original purpose.
While traditionally believed to be a religious space for worshipping all Roman gods, some scholars now argue that it may have been a dynastic sanctuary for the ruling family lineage or part of a ruler cult emerging around Emperor Augustus. Historical records from sources like Cassius Dio and archaeological evidence show shifting interpretations of its use and significance, but its continual use after being consecrated as a church by Pope Boniface IV contributed to its preservation.