Culture

Pantheon dome secret revealed

The Italian scientist Eugenio La Rocca proved that the oculus in the dome of the Pantheon was used by the emperor Augustus instead of a theater spotlight.

Just imagine how impressed the audience was the picture of Emperor Augustus, illuminated by the sun's rays, like theatrical spotlights, exactly at the moment when he crossed the threshold of the temple!

Behind the scenes of a unique astronomical performance, Eugenio La Rocca, a historian and cultural watchman of the Roman commune, professor of the LaSapienza University of Rome and curator of the popular August exhibition in the stables of the Quirinale Palace (Scuderie del Quirinale), peered behind the scenes of a unique astronomical performance. He came to the conclusion that the spectacular show, designed by the first emperor of Rome, was well-developed, but was shown only one day a year. True, this date was not chosen by chance (in ancient Rome, no structure was built just like that). April 21, noon - a symbolic moment returning the participants to the birth of Rome, the foundation of the Eternal City at the command of Romulus.

Until today, the amazing dome of the Pantheon has not been fully explored and is shrouded in legends and mysterious facts related to the “oculus” - the only round window (9 meters in diameter) located in the center of the giant dome. And yet, the oculus has obvious archaeo-astronomical significance - La Rocca proved it again in his scientific work, using previously unknown archaeological discoveries. Presentation of the work entitled "August on the medieval Field of Mars" was held on March 5 at the Vallicelliana library during a special conference.

“The sun's rays passing through the oculus illuminated the walls of the temple, like real theater spotlights. Moreover, on certain days and hours they fell into certain niches, symbolizing various events and phenomena,” La Rocca says. “But it was April 21, the day the foundation of Rome, a pillar of light pointed to the Pantheon’s front door: exactly at noon, both in antiquity and now, the sun's rays hit the very center of the doorway. "

The recent excavations of an ancient staircase to the temple opposite the Pantheon testify to the connection of the solar phenomenon with Emperor Augustus: “Archaeological finds indicate that the Pantheon, rebuilt by Adrian, as we see it now, retained its orientation to the north. From the August building, it also remained and a monumental bronze door. Therefore, there are significant reasons to believe that the phenomenon with sunbeams existed even under Augustus. " Why was such a mise-en-scene needed?

La Rocca argues: "It was the political program of Augustus. He presented himself to the people, as the new founder of the city, a symbol of peace."

Watch the video: The Pantheon (November 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Culture, Next Article

Ski resort Souz d'Oulx
Piedmont

Ski resort Souz d'Oulx

Sauze d'Oulx is a resort region located in the Val di Susa Valley of the province of Turin. The region is part of the resort region of Via Lattea (Vialattea), also known as the Milky Way. During its existence, the town of Souz d'Oulx went through many events: it repeatedly became a bridgehead for the troops, Roman legions passed through it, the Goth armies and the Lombards.
Read More
Cesana Torinese - ski resort in Piedmont
Piedmont

Cesana Torinese - ski resort in Piedmont

Cesana Torinese is a small commune located in the province of Turin in the Piedmont region. The indigenous population of the commune is just over a thousand people, a large one works in the tourism industry. Cesana Torinese is a popular ski resort that is part of the Via Lattea resort region.
Read More
Ski resort Limone Piemonte
Piedmont

Ski resort Limone Piemonte

Limone Piemonte is an old ski resort in the Southwestern Alps, which since the beginning of the 19th century has been pleasing its visitors with a variety of slopes and a developed tourist infrastructure. This amazing place is located at the junction of the borders of Italy and France, and combines the cultures of both countries.
Read More
Isola Bella - Borromeo Palace and Gardens
Piedmont

Isola Bella - Borromeo Palace and Gardens

On the beautiful lake of Lago Maggiore in northern Italy, 400 meters from the coastal town of Stresa, there is a picturesque castle island, island park. The entire small area of ​​the island of Isola Bella (Isola Bella) is occupied by the palace and park complex of Count Borromeo. When Count Vitaliano VI Borromeo (Vitaliano VI Borromeo) began in 1632 the construction of the palace and park complex, which later became famous, Isola Bella (ital.
Read More