Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
If you’ve ever visited the Pantheon, one of Rome’s most iconic and well-preserved ancient monuments, you’ve likely noticed the large inscription across its portico: M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT, meaning “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made this in his third consulship.” But who was this Marcus Agrippa? And what role did he play in shaping ancient Rome? Join us as we explore the life of this powerful Roman figure, his influence on the city’s architecture, and some interesting facts about the Pantheon itself.
Who Was Marcus Agrippa?
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a close friend, general, and son-in-law of the first Roman Emperor Augustus, was one of the most influential figures of his time. Born around 63 BC, Agrippa was not only a skilled military leader but also a politician and architect who helped transform Rome into the architectural marvel it would become. His military prowess was most notably demonstrated in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, where he led Augustus’ forces to victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra, securing Augustus’ power and ending the Roman Republic.
Agrippa was known for his pragmatism and dedication to the public good. Unlike many ambitious Roman leaders, Agrippa was content to remain in the background, allowing Augustus to take center stage. His political vision aligned closely with Augustus, supporting policies that promoted peace and prosperity after the civil wars that plagued Rome for decades.
Agrippa’s Contributions to Rome
Beyond his military achievements, Agrippa was responsible for numerous construction projects that dramatically improved the infrastructure of Rome. His contributions to aqueducts, public baths, and temples were vital to the city’s development. He played a central role in overseeing the construction of Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct that still supplies water to Rome today, and Agrippa’s Baths, which were used by the Roman populace for centuries.
But perhaps his most enduring legacy is the Pantheon.
The Pantheon: A Temple for All Gods
The Pantheon, as it stands today, was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, but it retains the inscription dedicated to Agrippa, as he was the one who originally commissioned the building around 27 BC. Agrippa intended the Pantheon to be a temple to all gods, representing Rome’s vast and diverse empire. The building would have housed statues of various deities, creating a space where people of different religious traditions could come together to honor their gods.
Agrippa’s Pantheon, however, was destroyed by fire, and it was Emperor Hadrian who later rebuilt it in its present form. Despite this, Agrippa’s name remains on the façade, a testament to his original vision.
Curiosities About the Pantheon: The Bronze Doors and Their Secrets
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Pantheon is its bronze doors, which still function today. These enormous doors, which weigh several tons, are thought to be original to Hadrian’s reconstruction in the 2nd century AD. Remarkably, despite their size and weight, they can still be opened by a single person. The secret lies in the ingenious design of their hinges, which are perfectly balanced to allow for smooth movement, even after almost two millennia of use.
The doors are not only functional but are also adorned with a bronze keyhole that, astonishingly, is believed to still be the original locking mechanism. This speaks volumes about the craftsmanship and engineering expertise of Roman builders, whose work has endured through the ages.
The Role of Travertine in the Pantheon
Another key feature of the Pantheon, and many other Roman structures, is the use of travertine, a type of limestone found in the area of Tivoli, near Rome. Travertine was highly valued in ancient Rome for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of quarrying. The Romans used it extensively in their temples, amphitheaters (including the Colosseum), and other public buildings.
The Pantheon’s portico is largely constructed from travertine, giving the building its characteristic creamy hue that reflects light beautifully throughout the day. Travertine remains a popular building material in modern Rome, linking the ancient city to its contemporary identity.
A Lasting Legacy
Marcus Agrippa’s contributions to Rome extended beyond his time, influencing the city’s infrastructure, architecture, and public spaces for centuries. The Pantheon, one of the most visited monuments in Rome, stands as a powerful reminder of his vision. For guests staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, visiting the Pantheon is just a short 20-minute metro ride or a pleasant 30-minute walk through the heart of Rome. Here, you can witness firsthand the architectural genius of both Agrippa and Hadrian and reflect on the extraordinary history behind this iconic building.
