#bronze doors

[thepastisalreadywritten]

Oldest Bronze Doors (115 AD) still in use in Pantheon, Rome, Italy.

These doors cast in bronze for Emperor Hadrian (76-138 AD) rebuilding, dated about 115 AD.

These large bronze doors serve as an entrance to the cella, measuring 4.45m wide by 7.53m high, yet so well balanced they can be pushed or pulled open easily by one person.

Each half of the double door weighs 8.5 tonnes. It rotates on pins set into floor and architrave above.

—

The bronze doors in the Pantheon of Rome are indeed a remarkable testament to the engineering and craftsmanship of the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.

Here are some fascinating details about these historic doors:

1. Age and Origin:

The bronze doors in the Pantheon are estimated to date back to around 115 AD, making them over 1,900 years old.

They were commissioned and cast during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, who is renowned for his architectural contributions to Rome.

2. Purpose:

These doors serve as the entrance to the cella, the inner sanctuary or main chamber of the Pantheon.

The Pantheon itself is a well-preserved ancient Roman temple dedicated to all the gods (hence the name "Pantheon").

3. Size and Dimensions:

The bronze doors are sizable, measuring approximately 4.45 meters (14.6 feet) in width and 7.53 meters (24.7 feet) in height.

What is particularly impressive is that despite their substantial size, they are perfectly balanced and can be effortlessly opened or closed by a single person.

4. Weight:

Each half of the double door weighs a staggering 8.5 tonnes, adding up to a total weight of 17 tonnes for the entire set.

This speaks to the advanced metallurgy and engineering skills of the Romans in handling and crafting large bronze structures.

5. Rotating Mechanism:

The doors are mounted on pins that are set into the floor and the architrave (the lintel or horizontal beam) above the entrance.

This ingenious design allows for the doors to pivot smoothly, enabling them to be moved with relative ease despite their immense weight.

6. Historical Significance:

The Pantheon, with its iconic dome and these bronze doors, is an enduring symbol of Roman architectural innovation and grandeur.

The fact that these doors are still in use after nearly two millennia is a testament to the durability and quality of their construction.

The Pantheon's bronze doors are not only a functional part of this historic structure but also a tangible link to the past, offering a glimpse into the architectural and engineering achievements of ancient Rome.

They continue to awe and inspire visitors from around the world with their sheer size and remarkable craftsmanship.

Credit: Statistics (X)

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