Why was the Pantheon in Rome not destroyed with the other pagan buildings and where did the bronze go?

Question

Pantheon was destroyed by fire on several occassions but was rebuilt, the question I am posing is why was it not completely destroyed along with other Pagan buildings during or after the Fall of Rome? There was bronze that decorated the porch of the Pantheon where did that go?....Thank you Suzy

This question came from a art history class. Now, the obvious reason the structure was not destroyed is due to the fact it was converted into a church. Also, we may consider the structure itself, made out of cement. But, those are two obvious answers and I am thinking my Professors are seeking another answer. If anyone can help please do so but include citations so I may back up my conclusions....Thank you.....Suzy

Answer 1

The Pantheon was given to Pope Boniface IV in 609 by the Byzantine emperor Phocas. Pope Boniface IV would then convert the building into a Christian Church, entitled the Church of Mary and all the Martyr Saints (Santa Maria ad Martyres). The consecration of the building to a church is what saved the building from destruction for which other Roman buildings suffered.

As for the bronze, the bronze tiles were said to have been sent to Constantinople. As for the bronze ceiling of the portico, the bronze was melted down, with most of the bronze being used to make the bombards for the fortification of the Castel Sant'Angelo, which sits on the edge of the Tiber River. Some also say that some of the bronze went into Bernini's masterpiece within St. Peter's, but others say that this bronze actually came from Venice.

Answer 2

It is a very old historical structure that rest on sacred ground, and if you destroy your past you will also destroy your future. Just because a majority of the world is Christian dose not mean that gives any one the right to destroy historical buildings dedicated to non-Christan gods. How would you feel if a religious group that was not of your faith destroyed one of your most sacred buildings? That and the Parthenon is an architectural master piece, so for some one to want to destroy it is unthinkable. They are trying to restore it because it is part of Italian and World history, and not because it is a Pagan Temple. I do not know were the bronze went, but I imagine that it was used for some Christian church some where in Italy or the greater Holy Roman Empire.

24 y.o. Pagan College Student

Answer 3

The bronze was all taken out and melted down to form the 'bedposts of St peter" in the Vatican. The pantheon managed to survive largely because it got turned into a christian church

Answer 4

The bronze was used in the early 17th century to cast cannon. Have a look at this website it's got some great reliable sources.

http://gnv.fdt.net/~aabbeama/Christmas/Pantheon.html

Answer 5

Are you referring to the Parthenon? A pantheon is a collection of deities.