What ancient architectural structure, built by the Romans in 125 CE under Emperor Hadrian, features a giant concrete unreinforced dome with a 9-meter central opening (oculus)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. The Pantheon
- Step 1: Originally commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during Augustus's reign, the Pantheon was completely rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian around 125 CE.
- Step 2: Its hemispherical dome spans 43.3 meters (142 feet) and remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome; the open central oculus provides natural illumination and structural stress relief.
Answer
The Pantheon
Why not the others: 'The Colosseum' The Colosseum is a colossal elliptical amphitheatre built under the Flavian emperors for gladiatorial games; 'Circus Maximus' Circus Maximus was a massive chariot racing stadium located between the Aventine and Palatine hills in Rome; 'Curia Julia' The Curia Julia was the senate house in the Roman Forum reconstructed under Julius Caesar and Augustus.
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