The Pantheon

Photos of the Pantheon, which is one of the best-preserved of all Roman buildings. Built in 126 CE, it has been in continuous use throughout its history. This is the 3rd Pantheon on this site, the previous 2 being destroyed by fire. Here is a good essay on it's construction. The facade is from the first Pantheon, and the inscription across the front of the Pantheon says: M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT, which means "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made this building when consul for the third time." (no ego there). In the 609CE, Byzantine emperor Phocas gave the building to Pope Boniface IV, who converted it into a Christian church (of course, "after the pagan filth was removed"). It is by far the best preserved building from imperial times, the interior looking much like it did when constructed.