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Narrator: The pantheon,
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Ancient rome's best
preserved monument,
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00:00:08,576 --> 00:00:10,876
An engineering wonder
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00:00:10,978 --> 00:00:14,980
Unrivaled in its scale
and pioneering construction.
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00:00:15,082 --> 00:00:16,582
Many scholars think it's
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00:00:16,684 --> 00:00:19,018
The most extraordinary
building ever built.
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00:00:19,120 --> 00:00:21,820
Narrator: Buried inside
this mighty edifice
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Is an ancient mystery.
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00:00:23,824 --> 00:00:26,125
This tunnel is part of
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A very extensive network
that runs for kilometers.
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00:00:30,464 --> 00:00:33,766
Narrator: Now, new evidence
beneath the streets of rome
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Reveals clues.
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00:00:35,836 --> 00:00:39,138
The travertine slabs
are a window into
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What this area
may have looked like.
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00:00:41,275 --> 00:00:43,842
Narrator: How do the ancient
engineers build
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00:00:43,944 --> 00:00:47,846
Its impossible dome, with
a gaping hole in the center?
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00:00:47,948 --> 00:00:51,050
And can pioneering
3-d scanning
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00:00:51,152 --> 00:00:53,886
Reveal who builds
this ancient wonder?
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00:00:53,988 --> 00:00:55,954
We can see the fingerprints
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00:00:56,057 --> 00:00:58,057
Of this emperor
in the pantheon.
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00:00:59,827 --> 00:01:01,660
Narrator:
To unlock the mysteries of
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Ancient rome's greatest
mega structure,
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We unearth its foundations.
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We digitally deconstruct
its mighty dome roof
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And piece together clues
at its feet
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To decode the greatest secrets
of this
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Incredible monument
and the city around it.
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♪♪
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Rome, the capital of
one of the greatest empires
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In history.
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Its ancient roots are
evident throughout the city.
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Every structure
is a vital clue
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To the mysterious world of
the romans.
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Right at the heart
of the city stands
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The best preserved roman
monument in the world,
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The pantheon.
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Surviving for 2,000 years,
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It's a miracle of engineering.
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The pantheon is
an iconic roman building.
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00:02:15,269 --> 00:02:18,170
In fact, it's one of
the most famous in the world.
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00:02:18,272 --> 00:02:19,738
Many scholars think it's
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00:02:19,840 --> 00:02:22,875
The most extraordinary
building ever built,
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00:02:22,977 --> 00:02:26,411
And it's even more impressive
when you think that it was
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Designed and built
2,000 years ago
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Without any of
the advantages of modern
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Technology that we have today.
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Narrator: Today,
this extraordinary monument
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Captivates millions of people
who come to visit each year.
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16 towering columns
flank the entrance,
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00:02:47,735 --> 00:02:50,035
Topped with marble capitals.
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00:02:50,137 --> 00:02:53,038
Each one is carved from
a single piece of granite.
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00:02:55,342 --> 00:02:58,510
Inside, the exquisitely
decorated circular
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00:02:58,612 --> 00:03:01,046
Interior is designed
to impress,
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00:03:02,716 --> 00:03:04,683
And its 20-foot-thick walls
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Are built to stand
for millennia.
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00:03:07,721 --> 00:03:11,523
The roof is the largest dome
of its kind,
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Over 140 feet wide, with
a 30-foot hole in the middle.
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Despite its venerable age,
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00:03:20,367 --> 00:03:25,304
To this day, the monument's
true purpose is a mystery.
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00:03:29,276 --> 00:03:31,610
Valerie higgins
spends her life
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Decoding the mysteries
of ancient rome,
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00:03:34,782 --> 00:03:38,083
And none are more enigmatic
than the pantheon.
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The name pantheon implies that,
at some point in the history of
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This building,
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It was a temple dedicated
to all the gods,
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Most particularly,
the 12 olympian gods
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Who were
the most prestigious.
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Narrator: The word pantheon
means "temple of all the gods,"
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But the pantheon's design
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Is far from that of
a typical temple.
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00:04:02,476 --> 00:04:05,244
When you look
at it from this angle,
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00:04:05,346 --> 00:04:07,846
It just looks like
a typical temple, a huge,
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Enormous temple.
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00:04:09,350 --> 00:04:12,618
Behind it is
this massive circular
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00:04:12,720 --> 00:04:16,021
Drum that we call the rotunda,
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00:04:16,123 --> 00:04:18,624
And you think, "that shouldn't
be on the back of a temple."
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00:04:20,094 --> 00:04:22,628
Narrator: Most roman temples
are rectangular.
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Instead, the pantheon's
combination of an angular front
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And a curved rotunda at
the back is completely unique.
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Higgins:
This isn't any temple.
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This is something
that's extraordinary.
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Narrator:
The pantheon's true purpose
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Has puzzled
archaeologists for centuries,
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00:04:45,185 --> 00:04:48,687
But now, intriguing new clues
have appeared around
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This monument that could help
crack the mystery.
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Just a few months ago,
a water pipe burst.
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It created a sinkhole.
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The cobblestones
and the earth caved in.
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00:05:01,802 --> 00:05:03,168
What they revealed
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00:05:03,270 --> 00:05:07,339
Were paving stones that were
connected to the pantheon.
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00:05:10,210 --> 00:05:12,844
Narrator: The sinkhole
unearths a time capsule.
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Just a few feet beneath
the modern piazza
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Are travertine paving slabs
from an ancient roman square.
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00:05:24,625 --> 00:05:27,993
Following these puzzle pieces
to the pantheon,
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Archaeologists make
an incredible discovery...
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A marble staircase
leading up to a platform
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00:05:37,871 --> 00:05:40,839
And the remains of columns
that are as old
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As the paving slabs.
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Can these buried stones
help reveal
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The true purpose
of the pantheon?
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♪♪
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Paolo carafa investigates
the mysterious
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Remains of
this older building.
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The pantheon we see today
is the last chapter
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00:06:03,130 --> 00:06:04,296
Of a long history.
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00:06:04,398 --> 00:06:07,132
Our work has been
to reconstruct
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00:06:07,234 --> 00:06:09,101
Such a long history.
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00:06:09,203 --> 00:06:12,204
Narrator: Paolo and his team
create a comprehensive map
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00:06:12,306 --> 00:06:14,940
Of all the archaeological
discoveries beneath
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The pantheon.
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All these clues placed on
a much more accurate map,
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Reveal a structure exactly
similar to the pantheon
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We see today.
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The bulk of the structures
were part of
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The original pantheon.
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Narrator: The existence of
an older, original pantheon
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Underneath the pantheon
we see today
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Is an astonishing discovery.
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Paolo's research reveals
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00:06:46,673 --> 00:06:50,976
The original pantheon
is built around 27 b.C.
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00:06:51,078 --> 00:06:53,412
His work leads to the man
who built it.
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00:06:54,481 --> 00:06:56,882
According to
the literary sources,
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00:06:56,984 --> 00:07:01,052
The original pantheon is
created by the first emperor of
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00:07:01,155 --> 00:07:03,722
The roman empire, augustus.
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00:07:03,824 --> 00:07:06,858
Narrator: Why does augustus
build this first pantheon?
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00:07:10,130 --> 00:07:14,232
Valerie believes she can find
clues in the surrounding city.
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00:07:14,334 --> 00:07:16,268
So here we are
in the heart of rome.
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It's full of buildings,
it's full of people.
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00:07:18,906 --> 00:07:20,305
But it isn't in the least bit
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00:07:20,407 --> 00:07:23,074
As it would have been at
the time of the first pantheon.
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00:07:24,411 --> 00:07:26,344
Narrator: To investigate
the ancient area,
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00:07:26,447 --> 00:07:30,248
Valerie compares today's map
of rome with a map of the city
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2,000 years ago.
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We can see the pantheon here.
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00:07:35,088 --> 00:07:37,722
At the time of augustus,
you wouldn't have seen
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Anything in this area except
the mausoleum of augustus.
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Narrator: Valerie suspects
there is a connection
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00:07:45,899 --> 00:07:47,432
Between these two monuments,
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00:07:47,501 --> 00:07:51,336
And that augustus's mausoleum
is a clue to the purpose
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00:07:51,438 --> 00:07:53,371
Of his original pantheon.
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00:07:55,175 --> 00:07:57,609
Valerie has obtained
rare permission to
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Launch a drone-mounted camera
above rome.
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00:08:01,648 --> 00:08:03,482
She wants to investigate
the layout
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00:08:03,584 --> 00:08:06,151
Of the two monuments
from the air.
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00:08:06,253 --> 00:08:09,888
If we take a drone to go up
and to fly over the top,
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00:08:09,990 --> 00:08:12,324
We can have a look at how
these structures
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00:08:12,426 --> 00:08:13,592
Relate to each other.
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Narrator: Valerie searches
for the mausoleum.
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From the site of
the original pantheon,
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00:08:21,235 --> 00:08:24,202
The drone flies north over
the rooftops of rome.
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♪♪
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Valerie locates
augustus's mausoleum
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Half a mile
north of the pantheon.
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Its huge circular structure
makes it easily
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00:08:40,287 --> 00:08:43,455
Identifiable even
from 200 feet in the air.
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00:08:45,759 --> 00:08:47,492
The eye in the sky reveals
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00:08:47,594 --> 00:08:51,129
The two giant circular
monuments are perfectly aligned.
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Higgins: The pantheon
and the mausoleum of augustus
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Appear to be
facing each other,
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And they are linked
along a visual axis.
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00:09:00,574 --> 00:09:04,509
Narrator: What more can
the connection reveal?
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Valerie heads to the mausoleum
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Of augustus to investigate.
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00:09:11,084 --> 00:09:14,619
It is one of the largest tombs
in the world.
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00:09:14,721 --> 00:09:18,156
This mausoleum tells us
quite a lot about augustus.
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He's founding
a big imperial rome.
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This monument was built to be
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00:09:23,897 --> 00:09:27,065
A permanent memorial to him
and his achievements.
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00:09:28,502 --> 00:09:31,436
Narrator: Valerie believes
the mausoleum and the pantheon
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Are connected as part of
an imperial design.
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Having a pantheon facing
the mausoleum that
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00:09:40,981 --> 00:09:42,714
He and the rest of his family
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Are going to be buried in
indicate that they have
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A very special status.
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He is laying the foundations
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For acceptance of a new form
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Of government, of an emperor.
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Narrator: The mausoleum's
perfect alignment
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00:09:58,865 --> 00:10:00,665
With the pantheon reveals
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00:10:00,767 --> 00:10:03,668
The original pantheon's
true purpose.
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00:10:03,770 --> 00:10:06,671
Both buildings are
tributes to augustus,
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Where he can be worshiped
and venerated forever.
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00:10:11,378 --> 00:10:14,512
So why do the ruins of
his original pantheon
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00:10:14,615 --> 00:10:17,048
Lie beneath
the building we see today?
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♪♪
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In 80 a.D.,
fire breaks out in rome.
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It burns for three days,
188
00:10:28,662 --> 00:10:31,096
Devastating the area
around the pantheon.
189
00:10:34,434 --> 00:10:37,435
The fire spreads
from building to building,
190
00:10:37,537 --> 00:10:39,604
Engulfing
the original pantheon,
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00:10:39,706 --> 00:10:42,774
Causing it to collapse.
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00:10:42,876 --> 00:10:45,076
The romans restore
the pantheon
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00:10:45,178 --> 00:10:46,444
To its former glory,
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00:10:48,348 --> 00:10:49,914
But in 110 a.D.,
195
00:10:50,017 --> 00:10:52,050
Lightning strikes
and destroys it.
196
00:10:55,555 --> 00:10:59,324
The rubble is cleared, and
the present pantheon is built.
197
00:11:01,995 --> 00:11:06,431
The original pantheon is
buried, but not forgotten.
198
00:11:06,533 --> 00:11:10,068
The new version
stands boldly in its place.
199
00:11:10,170 --> 00:11:13,071
But who builds
this new pantheon?
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00:11:21,548 --> 00:11:24,949
Narrator: The pantheon,
built on top of an older
201
00:11:25,052 --> 00:11:30,055
Temple to honor the first
emperor of rome, augustus.
202
00:11:30,157 --> 00:11:33,124
But who builds the new
pantheon we see today?
203
00:11:35,362 --> 00:11:37,862
Valerie higgins
believes that clues in
204
00:11:37,998 --> 00:11:41,933
The structure will reveal
the creator of this masterpiece.
205
00:11:42,035 --> 00:11:44,202
Higgins: One of the first things
that people notice is
206
00:11:44,304 --> 00:11:46,104
The inscription across the top,
207
00:11:46,206 --> 00:11:47,672
And that's in latin.
208
00:11:47,774 --> 00:11:49,307
It tells us
that marcus agrippa
209
00:11:49,409 --> 00:11:51,843
Made this building
when he was consul
210
00:11:51,945 --> 00:11:53,845
For the third time.
211
00:11:53,947 --> 00:11:57,849
Agrippa was the right-hand man
of the emperor augustus,
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00:11:57,951 --> 00:12:00,852
And we know
that he was responsible
213
00:12:00,954 --> 00:12:04,589
For the original pantheon
on this site.
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00:12:05,792 --> 00:12:08,359
Narrator: Rich romans often
inscribe their names
215
00:12:08,462 --> 00:12:10,528
On the civic buildings
they commission.
216
00:12:12,265 --> 00:12:14,232
But something here
doesn't add up.
217
00:12:15,669 --> 00:12:18,036
The pantheon
we see today is built
218
00:12:18,138 --> 00:12:22,407
More than 150 years after
the original structure.
219
00:12:22,509 --> 00:12:26,878
By that time, augustus
and agrippa are long dead.
220
00:12:31,685 --> 00:12:33,685
Hidden in the walls
of the pantheon
221
00:12:33,787 --> 00:12:36,287
Are clues to the identity
of its designer.
222
00:12:39,459 --> 00:12:41,760
Tile-shaped bricks
223
00:12:41,862 --> 00:12:44,496
Carry the stamp
of the manufacturer
224
00:12:46,566 --> 00:12:49,968
And the names of the highest
elected officials at the time.
225
00:12:51,138 --> 00:12:53,738
Some bricks
in the rotunda date
226
00:12:53,840 --> 00:12:55,673
To the reign of emperor trajan.
227
00:12:58,211 --> 00:13:01,312
But others date to the time
of the emperor hadrian.
228
00:13:04,918 --> 00:13:07,352
So who, if it's not agrippa,
229
00:13:07,454 --> 00:13:10,588
Is really the builder of
the pantheon we see today?
230
00:13:14,094 --> 00:13:18,730
Emperor trajan rules 84 years
after augustus's death,
231
00:13:20,400 --> 00:13:21,966
But only a small number of
232
00:13:22,068 --> 00:13:24,435
The pantheon's bricks date
to his reign.
233
00:13:26,706 --> 00:13:29,607
Instead, the majority of
the bricks date to
234
00:13:29,709 --> 00:13:31,476
Emperor hadrian,
235
00:13:31,578 --> 00:13:35,847
Trajan's successor who rules
100 years after augustus.
236
00:13:38,985 --> 00:13:40,685
To investigate if hadrian
237
00:13:40,821 --> 00:13:42,954
Is the builder
of the pantheon,
238
00:13:43,056 --> 00:13:45,757
Paolo carafa explores
one of hadrian's most
239
00:13:45,859 --> 00:13:47,759
Famous creations,
240
00:13:47,861 --> 00:13:50,061
Hadrian's personal villa.
241
00:13:50,163 --> 00:13:53,798
It lies around 20 miles
east of rome in tivoli
242
00:13:53,867 --> 00:13:57,936
And is the largest villa
in the roman empire.
243
00:13:58,038 --> 00:13:59,871
Hadrian
loved architecture.
244
00:13:59,973 --> 00:14:02,607
He trained himself
as an architect.
245
00:14:02,709 --> 00:14:06,144
He had been involved in
the creation of this villa.
246
00:14:06,246 --> 00:14:08,479
Narrator: But his construction
projects reveal
247
00:14:08,582 --> 00:14:12,517
A much bigger ambition
and pioneering ideas.
248
00:14:12,619 --> 00:14:16,120
Carafa: Hadrian had the great
vision of how architecture
249
00:14:16,223 --> 00:14:18,857
Would strengthen
and support his power.
250
00:14:18,959 --> 00:14:22,493
He enabled the architect
to push the innovation forward
251
00:14:22,596 --> 00:14:25,797
To create a larger
and more complex building
252
00:14:25,899 --> 00:14:27,198
Than ever before.
253
00:14:27,267 --> 00:14:29,234
Narrator: Here
at his villa, hadrian
254
00:14:29,336 --> 00:14:32,570
Experiments with
his innovative designs.
255
00:14:32,672 --> 00:14:35,673
It covers more than 300 acres
256
00:14:35,775 --> 00:14:39,477
With almost 1,000 rooms,
including banqueting halls,
257
00:14:39,579 --> 00:14:42,280
Indoor and outdoor
swimming pools, and even
258
00:14:42,382 --> 00:14:45,216
Underground parking
for his chariots.
259
00:14:45,318 --> 00:14:48,253
Carafa: The villa was
the largest private residence
260
00:14:48,355 --> 00:14:50,255
Ever built in the roman empire.
261
00:14:50,357 --> 00:14:54,325
It was twice as large as
the whole city of pompeii.
262
00:14:54,427 --> 00:14:57,061
The dimension
and the lavishness are a clear
263
00:14:57,163 --> 00:15:02,000
Indication of the immense
power of the roman emperor.
264
00:15:02,102 --> 00:15:05,503
Narrator: Does this villa
conceal evidence that reveals
265
00:15:05,605 --> 00:15:08,206
Hadrian builds the pantheon?
266
00:15:08,308 --> 00:15:09,707
To search for clues,
267
00:15:09,809 --> 00:15:12,510
Paolo heads
to the maritime theater,
268
00:15:12,612 --> 00:15:16,414
Hadrian's private retreat
within the grounds.
269
00:15:16,516 --> 00:15:19,217
The size of
the theater is what
270
00:15:19,319 --> 00:15:24,122
Intrigues paolo and fellow
archaeologist fabio cavallero.
271
00:15:25,592 --> 00:15:28,059
They use a state-of-the-art
laser scanner
272
00:15:28,161 --> 00:15:29,494
To survey the site.
273
00:15:39,873 --> 00:15:42,407
Narrator: Fabio gets ready
to start the scan.
274
00:15:47,280 --> 00:15:51,082
These high precision digital
images allow paolo and fabio
275
00:15:51,184 --> 00:15:52,817
To compare the floor plan
276
00:15:52,919 --> 00:15:55,887
Of the pantheon to that of
the maritime theater.
277
00:15:57,257 --> 00:15:59,390
What they discover
is astonishing.
278
00:16:00,860 --> 00:16:03,361
Carafa: The maritime theater
has the same
279
00:16:03,463 --> 00:16:05,897
Diameter of the interior
of the pantheon.
280
00:16:08,501 --> 00:16:10,735
Narrator: This could be
evidence that hadrian
281
00:16:10,837 --> 00:16:13,604
Is the designer of
both buildings.
282
00:16:13,707 --> 00:16:16,274
To delve deeper,
the team scans
283
00:16:16,376 --> 00:16:20,211
The entire villa,
looking for more similarities.
284
00:16:20,313 --> 00:16:23,281
Our survey creates
point clouds to
285
00:16:23,383 --> 00:16:25,817
Map every single corner
of the villa.
286
00:16:27,620 --> 00:16:31,222
Narrator: The survey pinpoints
a structure with a semi-dome,
287
00:16:31,324 --> 00:16:34,258
The canopus, that has even
closer similarities
288
00:16:34,361 --> 00:16:35,360
With the pantheon.
289
00:16:35,462 --> 00:16:37,929
Carafa: Here we have
an excellent example of
290
00:16:38,031 --> 00:16:41,966
Hadrian's experiments
with domes and semi-domes.
291
00:16:42,068 --> 00:16:44,569
Narrator: These similarities are
conclusive evidence
292
00:16:44,671 --> 00:16:46,838
That hadrian builds
the new pantheon.
293
00:16:48,375 --> 00:16:52,110
We can see the fingerprints
of this emperor
294
00:16:52,212 --> 00:16:54,445
In the pantheon
and in hadrian's villa.
295
00:16:56,182 --> 00:16:58,316
Narrator: But if hadrian
builds the pantheon,
296
00:16:58,418 --> 00:17:00,318
Why is augustus's friend
297
00:17:00,420 --> 00:17:02,854
Agrippa's name on the front
of the building?
298
00:17:05,125 --> 00:17:07,658
Valerie thinks a clue
may lie in what
299
00:17:07,761 --> 00:17:10,962
Romans think of hadrian and
his great predecessor.
300
00:17:12,232 --> 00:17:15,500
Higgins: Hadrian was quite
disliked in his own time.
301
00:17:15,602 --> 00:17:18,870
By the second century,
people are thinking that
302
00:17:18,972 --> 00:17:22,740
Nobody since augustus had
really matched up to him.
303
00:17:27,213 --> 00:17:29,647
Narrator: The romans see
augustus as the epitome
304
00:17:29,749 --> 00:17:31,816
Of a successful leader.
305
00:17:31,918 --> 00:17:36,721
In 27 b.C., he becomes the very
first emperor of rome.
306
00:17:38,091 --> 00:17:41,392
Augustus rapidly
expands the empire,
307
00:17:41,494 --> 00:17:44,796
Conquering egypt,
central europe,
308
00:17:44,898 --> 00:17:46,030
And northern Spain.
309
00:17:49,269 --> 00:17:51,202
But when hadrian
becomes emperor,
310
00:17:51,304 --> 00:17:53,771
He halts the rapid expansion.
311
00:17:53,873 --> 00:17:57,175
He believes that the empire
must protect its borders.
312
00:17:59,279 --> 00:18:01,813
He builds monumental
defenses, like
313
00:18:01,915 --> 00:18:05,049
The famous hadrian's wall,
across britain.
314
00:18:05,151 --> 00:18:08,252
But this conservative approach
doesn't make him popular.
315
00:18:10,924 --> 00:18:15,693
Higgins: To win the romans over,
hadrian devises a plan.
316
00:18:15,795 --> 00:18:19,831
Hadrian thought
that he could raise his status
317
00:18:19,933 --> 00:18:21,332
With the roman people
318
00:18:21,434 --> 00:18:24,702
To portray himself
as a second augustus.
319
00:18:24,804 --> 00:18:27,338
Narrator: So he decides
to imprint on the facade
320
00:18:27,440 --> 00:18:29,240
Of the pantheon the name of
321
00:18:29,342 --> 00:18:32,210
Augustus's great friend,
agrippa.
322
00:18:32,312 --> 00:18:36,180
Higgins: Hadrian tries to
emulate augustus by rebuilding
323
00:18:36,282 --> 00:18:38,816
The pantheon and making
an obvious reference
324
00:18:38,918 --> 00:18:40,051
To augustus.
325
00:18:40,153 --> 00:18:42,787
Narrator: Hadrian is the proud
builder of the pantheon
326
00:18:42,889 --> 00:18:44,088
We see today,
327
00:18:44,190 --> 00:18:47,558
But he's not finished with his
mission to emulate augustus.
328
00:18:49,496 --> 00:18:52,130
He makes one final
monumental statement.
329
00:18:54,868 --> 00:18:56,801
In 123 a.D.,
330
00:18:56,903 --> 00:18:59,670
15 years before his death,
331
00:18:59,772 --> 00:19:01,772
Hadrian builds
his own tomb,
332
00:19:04,744 --> 00:19:07,044
Now called castel sant'angelo,
333
00:19:07,147 --> 00:19:10,214
His mausoleum dominates
the west bank of rome's
334
00:19:10,316 --> 00:19:13,050
River tiber,
so no one can miss it.
335
00:19:14,554 --> 00:19:18,523
Hadrian's mausoleum,
his lavish villa,
336
00:19:18,625 --> 00:19:20,525
And the pantheon
337
00:19:20,627 --> 00:19:25,630
All reflect his vision for
rome and his impressive empire.
338
00:19:25,732 --> 00:19:29,400
Hadrian sets out to outbuild
his predecessors.
339
00:19:29,502 --> 00:19:32,737
His pantheon is bigger
and better than the original.
340
00:19:34,908 --> 00:19:37,575
But how does hadrian
ensure his pantheon
341
00:19:37,677 --> 00:19:39,810
Won't burn down like
augustus's?
342
00:19:48,788 --> 00:19:49,820
Narrator: The pantheon.
343
00:19:51,591 --> 00:19:54,225
Built by the ingenious
emperor hadrian on
344
00:19:54,327 --> 00:19:57,328
The foundations of augustus's
original structure.
345
00:19:58,798 --> 00:20:01,599
But how does hadrian ensure
that his pantheon
346
00:20:01,701 --> 00:20:03,634
Is indestructible
347
00:20:03,736 --> 00:20:05,102
And won't burn down
348
00:20:05,205 --> 00:20:06,470
Like his predecessor's?
349
00:20:09,275 --> 00:20:13,744
Hadrian's pantheon is still
so perfectly preserved
350
00:20:13,846 --> 00:20:16,247
After almost 2,000 years,
351
00:20:16,349 --> 00:20:19,116
This area has been
hit by earthquakes
352
00:20:19,219 --> 00:20:23,120
And struck by lightning
and yet...
353
00:20:23,223 --> 00:20:25,656
It's still here, intact.
354
00:20:25,758 --> 00:20:28,893
This is a real miracle
of engineering.
355
00:20:32,365 --> 00:20:34,565
Narrator: The outside
of the pantheon's walls
356
00:20:34,634 --> 00:20:36,667
Is just bricks
covered in plaster.
357
00:20:38,338 --> 00:20:40,238
Their real strength
lies within,
358
00:20:41,641 --> 00:20:45,743
A rock-solid core of roman
concrete to support the roof.
359
00:20:50,250 --> 00:20:53,050
But building decorative
niches and recesses
360
00:20:53,152 --> 00:20:56,020
Into the walls
creates weak spots,
361
00:20:56,122 --> 00:20:59,757
So roman engineers build brick
arches into the pantheon
362
00:21:02,495 --> 00:21:05,763
To channel the weight of
the roof into the thicker parts.
363
00:21:08,234 --> 00:21:11,235
Is this clever combination of
brick and concrete
364
00:21:11,337 --> 00:21:13,904
The secret to the survival of
the pantheon?
365
00:21:17,176 --> 00:21:19,143
Guido giordano is an expert
366
00:21:19,245 --> 00:21:21,779
In ancient roman
building materials.
367
00:21:21,881 --> 00:21:24,982
He's on a mission to discover
the secret to the concrete's
368
00:21:25,084 --> 00:21:26,851
Incredible strength.
369
00:21:26,953 --> 00:21:30,721
The mortar is made
of this white-ish base
370
00:21:30,823 --> 00:21:35,559
And lots of these floating
elements, very dark in color,
371
00:21:35,662 --> 00:21:39,063
And it's this particular
component that makes
372
00:21:39,132 --> 00:21:43,934
This concrete so stronger
than any other concrete.
373
00:21:44,037 --> 00:21:45,936
Narrator:
What is the secret component
374
00:21:46,039 --> 00:21:47,538
Of this special concrete?
375
00:21:49,542 --> 00:21:53,344
Guido investigates the rocks
that surround rome for clues.
376
00:21:54,847 --> 00:21:57,415
In the grounds of
tor marancia park
377
00:21:57,517 --> 00:22:00,651
Guido finds a distinctive
rock formation,
378
00:22:00,753 --> 00:22:04,388
The result of ancient
volcanic eruptions.
379
00:22:04,490 --> 00:22:09,260
These volcanic explosive
eruptions were 10 times
380
00:22:09,362 --> 00:22:12,797
Larger than the one
that buried pompeii.
381
00:22:12,899 --> 00:22:14,832
Narrator:
Can rocks like this unlock
382
00:22:14,934 --> 00:22:16,901
The secret of roman concrete?
383
00:22:20,873 --> 00:22:23,274
Guido finds a mysterious
tunnel carved
384
00:22:23,376 --> 00:22:25,376
Into the volcanic rock.
385
00:22:25,478 --> 00:22:28,746
He instantly recognizes
this structure.
386
00:22:30,583 --> 00:22:33,150
This tunnel is part of a very
387
00:22:33,252 --> 00:22:37,555
Extensive network that runs
for kilometers underneath rome,
388
00:22:37,657 --> 00:22:40,224
Exploiting the underground.
389
00:22:40,326 --> 00:22:42,660
Narrator: It's inside tunnels
like these that
390
00:22:42,762 --> 00:22:46,163
The romans discover the secret
ingredient for their concrete.
391
00:22:48,334 --> 00:22:51,902
Giordano: This tunnel is
an ancient roman quarry.
392
00:22:52,004 --> 00:22:56,006
This is where the romans
excavated the volcanic
393
00:22:56,109 --> 00:23:01,312
Material for the concrete
used to build the pantheon.
394
00:23:01,414 --> 00:23:04,582
Narrator: The secret ingredient
of the roman concrete is
395
00:23:04,684 --> 00:23:06,917
Volcanic ash.
396
00:23:07,019 --> 00:23:10,955
This is loose, so very easy
to be excavated,
397
00:23:11,057 --> 00:23:16,627
But also hard enough to hold
a tunnel that is made of a wide
398
00:23:16,729 --> 00:23:19,397
Variety of particle sizes that
399
00:23:19,499 --> 00:23:26,470
Go from very fine ash to much
larger volcanic [indistinct],
400
00:23:26,572 --> 00:23:29,073
And it is
this variety of particle
401
00:23:29,175 --> 00:23:33,244
Sizes that provides
a very strong interlocking.
402
00:23:34,380 --> 00:23:38,282
Narrator: This material is
a game-changer for the romans.
403
00:23:38,384 --> 00:23:40,851
They learn to use
volcanic ash instead
404
00:23:40,953 --> 00:23:43,721
Of traditional quartz sand
to make their mortar.
405
00:23:45,992 --> 00:23:48,592
Guido recreates
the roman concrete mix
406
00:23:48,694 --> 00:23:50,094
To test its properties.
407
00:23:53,266 --> 00:23:55,433
He starts
with the volcanic ash.
408
00:23:57,737 --> 00:24:01,472
Then he mixes it
with lime and water.
409
00:24:04,010 --> 00:24:07,178
So this is roman concrete,
this is
410
00:24:07,280 --> 00:24:09,947
What was used
to build the pantheon.
411
00:24:10,049 --> 00:24:13,250
You can see how easy
it is to work it.
412
00:24:13,352 --> 00:24:16,487
It's very wet,
and it doesn't hold anything.
413
00:24:16,589 --> 00:24:21,392
But over time,
the volcanic particles inside
414
00:24:21,494 --> 00:24:24,929
Make a very special
415
00:24:25,031 --> 00:24:30,301
Kind of minerals that are not
found in the classic,
416
00:24:30,403 --> 00:24:32,136
Ordinary mortar.
417
00:24:32,238 --> 00:24:34,472
Narrator:
Now, to compare the mortar
418
00:24:34,574 --> 00:24:36,774
Made with volcanic ash,
419
00:24:36,876 --> 00:24:41,779
He repeats the process, mixing
lime with the traditional sand.
420
00:24:41,881 --> 00:24:43,781
This mimics the concrete used
421
00:24:43,883 --> 00:24:45,816
In the buildings
before the pantheon.
422
00:24:48,054 --> 00:24:50,955
We put the mortar on top,
423
00:24:51,057 --> 00:24:52,890
And then we put another stone...
424
00:24:57,463 --> 00:24:58,462
And wait.
425
00:25:00,066 --> 00:25:02,433
Narrator: Two hours later,
the two different mixtures
426
00:25:02,535 --> 00:25:03,534
Have solidified
427
00:25:03,636 --> 00:25:05,836
And are ready to be
put to the test.
428
00:25:07,306 --> 00:25:09,807
We already see a strong
difference between these two.
429
00:25:09,909 --> 00:25:14,712
Here, the mortar is still
very wet and ductile,
430
00:25:14,814 --> 00:25:16,180
Whereas
431
00:25:16,282 --> 00:25:19,850
In this one, you can see that
it has already hardened.
432
00:25:19,952 --> 00:25:23,087
This is the one made
with the volcanic ash.
433
00:25:23,189 --> 00:25:27,491
Narrator: The volcanic ash
concrete is the clear winner.
434
00:25:27,593 --> 00:25:29,960
This material triggers
a revolution in
435
00:25:30,062 --> 00:25:31,996
Roman construction.
436
00:25:32,098 --> 00:25:35,266
These will become
the strongest link between
437
00:25:35,368 --> 00:25:37,167
These two pieces of rocks
438
00:25:37,270 --> 00:25:41,238
And the strongest mortar
ever invented.
439
00:25:41,340 --> 00:25:45,576
Narrator: This new concrete has
one last crucial benefit.
440
00:25:45,678 --> 00:25:48,879
Giordano: Roman concrete
is so strong, it resists
441
00:25:48,981 --> 00:25:52,283
Even to high temperatures
in case of fires.
442
00:25:54,453 --> 00:25:57,021
Narrator: This material is
the reason this city's
443
00:25:57,123 --> 00:26:00,357
Most magnificent buildings
have survived for millennia.
444
00:26:03,829 --> 00:26:06,797
Hadrian's engineers
create an indestructible
445
00:26:06,899 --> 00:26:10,668
Pantheon that ensures
he's remembered for eternity.
446
00:26:13,639 --> 00:26:17,274
But how do they build
the seemingly impossible roof,
447
00:26:17,376 --> 00:26:18,742
The iconic dome?
448
00:26:28,387 --> 00:26:30,888
Narrator:
Right in the heart of rome,
449
00:26:30,990 --> 00:26:35,392
The pantheon has the largest
dome of its kind in the world.
450
00:26:35,494 --> 00:26:39,296
This hemispherical dome is
the largest ever built
451
00:26:39,398 --> 00:26:41,031
Until reinforced concrete
452
00:26:41,133 --> 00:26:43,734
Is invented at the beginning
of the 20th century.
453
00:26:46,472 --> 00:26:49,573
Towering 100 feet above
the streets of rome,
454
00:26:49,675 --> 00:26:54,044
It stretches 142 feet
across the pantheon.
455
00:26:54,146 --> 00:26:57,114
The walls at the base
are 20 feet thick
456
00:26:57,216 --> 00:27:00,117
And taper to just 5 feet
at the apex,
457
00:27:00,219 --> 00:27:03,420
And the concrete inside them
is cleverly adapted.
458
00:27:03,522 --> 00:27:05,255
At the bottom,
459
00:27:05,358 --> 00:27:09,159
It contains crushed bricks
to make it strong,
460
00:27:09,261 --> 00:27:10,127
And at the top,
461
00:27:10,229 --> 00:27:12,796
It contains fragments
of pumice stone
462
00:27:12,898 --> 00:27:14,531
To make it light.
463
00:27:14,634 --> 00:27:17,234
On the inside,
cut-out recesses
464
00:27:17,336 --> 00:27:20,004
Trim down the weight
even more.
465
00:27:20,106 --> 00:27:21,972
But how do ancient roman
466
00:27:22,074 --> 00:27:24,875
Engineers actually build
this colossal dome
467
00:27:24,977 --> 00:27:27,611
100 feet off the ground?
468
00:27:31,484 --> 00:27:34,885
Tullia iori is an expert
in roman construction.
469
00:27:43,796 --> 00:27:46,730
Narrator: The enigma of
the dome's construction inspires
470
00:27:46,832 --> 00:27:49,066
The roman people to devise
their own theory.
471
00:27:51,370 --> 00:27:54,772
Legend says that
to build the dome,
472
00:27:54,874 --> 00:27:57,941
Hadrian creates a huge mound
of earth
473
00:27:58,044 --> 00:28:00,811
And hides gold coins inside.
474
00:28:04,717 --> 00:28:08,318
He uses the mound of earth
as an enormous mold,
475
00:28:08,421 --> 00:28:10,988
Casting the pantheon's dome
on top.
476
00:28:14,827 --> 00:28:16,994
Then he invites
the citizens of rome
477
00:28:17,096 --> 00:28:20,097
To remove the earth
inside the pantheon
478
00:28:20,199 --> 00:28:22,599
And keep all the coins
they find.
479
00:28:31,711 --> 00:28:33,310
Narrator:
Tullia believes that instead,
480
00:28:33,412 --> 00:28:36,113
The romans invent a new
construction technique
481
00:28:36,215 --> 00:28:37,748
To build the dome.
482
00:28:38,784 --> 00:28:41,585
Tullia uses cutting-edge
3-d printing
483
00:28:41,687 --> 00:28:45,389
To investigate the dome's
mysterious construction.
484
00:28:45,491 --> 00:28:48,392
She recreates a miniature
version of the structure.
485
00:29:03,676 --> 00:29:06,210
Narrator: Until the invention
of reinforced concrete,
486
00:29:06,312 --> 00:29:09,113
Most domes are assembled
on the ground and lifted
487
00:29:09,215 --> 00:29:10,614
Into place.
488
00:29:10,716 --> 00:29:13,450
But this colossal dome
is constructed
489
00:29:13,552 --> 00:29:15,919
Exactly where we see it today.
490
00:29:16,021 --> 00:29:19,723
How did the romans manage this
seemingly impossible feat?
491
00:29:19,825 --> 00:29:22,059
Tullia thinks
they have two options.
492
00:29:26,599 --> 00:29:28,832
They could build
an internal scaffolding from
493
00:29:28,934 --> 00:29:31,902
The ground up to support
the dome from beneath.
494
00:29:33,706 --> 00:29:36,840
Or they could build
one ring after another
495
00:29:36,942 --> 00:29:40,611
And hope that each ring
will support the next one.
496
00:29:44,383 --> 00:29:47,751
But even when complete,
the risk isn't over.
497
00:29:47,853 --> 00:29:51,054
The dome weighs
a mighty 5,000 tons
498
00:29:51,157 --> 00:29:53,524
And could collapse
under its own weight.
499
00:29:57,596 --> 00:30:02,232
Tullia uses a clay model of the
dome to investigate the risk.
500
00:30:02,334 --> 00:30:04,034
She pushes down on the model
501
00:30:04,136 --> 00:30:06,203
To simulate the weight of
the concrete.
502
00:30:13,245 --> 00:30:14,511
Narrator:
The pressure at the top
503
00:30:14,613 --> 00:30:17,247
Creates tension at the bottom
504
00:30:17,349 --> 00:30:20,484
That eventually cracks
the lower edge.
505
00:30:22,254 --> 00:30:23,954
How did the romans ensure
506
00:30:24,056 --> 00:30:26,557
The dome doesn't collapse
under its own weight?
507
00:30:27,993 --> 00:30:29,693
The key
to the dome's survival
508
00:30:29,795 --> 00:30:33,130
Lies in an ingenious
engineering trick.
509
00:30:33,232 --> 00:30:35,532
To prevent the lower edge
from cracking,
510
00:30:35,634 --> 00:30:38,502
The romans secretly bury
the bottom half of the dome
511
00:30:38,604 --> 00:30:39,970
Inside the rotunda.
512
00:30:41,307 --> 00:30:44,041
This way, the pressure is
contained by the walls
513
00:30:44,143 --> 00:30:45,943
And external step rings,
514
00:30:46,011 --> 00:30:48,445
Ensuring the full stability
of the structure.
515
00:30:57,523 --> 00:30:59,890
Narrator: The romans use
these techniques to create
516
00:30:59,992 --> 00:31:02,459
A structure made to last
for millennia.
517
00:31:16,976 --> 00:31:18,609
Narrator:
By building the pantheon,
518
00:31:18,711 --> 00:31:22,646
Emperor hadrian changes
the landscape of rome forever,
519
00:31:22,748 --> 00:31:24,815
And he creates one of
the city's most
520
00:31:24,917 --> 00:31:26,950
Iconic buildings.
521
00:31:27,052 --> 00:31:28,886
But why do
hadrian's engineers
522
00:31:28,988 --> 00:31:31,054
Leave a gaping hole
at the pinnacle?
523
00:31:32,558 --> 00:31:33,957
What is its purpose?
524
00:31:42,334 --> 00:31:45,135
The pantheon is
an engineering marvel.
525
00:31:45,237 --> 00:31:47,237
The unreinforced
concrete dome
526
00:31:47,339 --> 00:31:49,539
At its top is
the largest in history.
527
00:31:52,711 --> 00:31:54,177
At the pinnacle of the dome
528
00:31:54,280 --> 00:31:57,347
Is an unusual feature
called the oculus.
529
00:31:57,449 --> 00:32:00,751
It's a 30-foot-wide hole
that opens the pantheon to
530
00:32:00,853 --> 00:32:03,654
The heavens
but also the elements.
531
00:32:03,756 --> 00:32:05,489
[ thunder crashes ]
532
00:32:05,591 --> 00:32:06,957
To deal with rain,
533
00:32:07,092 --> 00:32:10,427
The marble floor beneath
gently curves like a bowl.
534
00:32:12,798 --> 00:32:15,999
It collects water
and drains it
535
00:32:16,101 --> 00:32:19,403
Through 22 cleverly concealed
drainage holes.
536
00:32:21,173 --> 00:32:22,572
When the sun shines,
537
00:32:22,675 --> 00:32:25,842
The oculus creates a beam of
heavenly light that moves
538
00:32:25,945 --> 00:32:28,345
Through the pantheon.
539
00:32:28,447 --> 00:32:30,580
Where does emperor hadrian get
540
00:32:30,683 --> 00:32:33,183
The inspiration
for this bold feature?
541
00:32:41,093 --> 00:32:44,261
Narrator:
Archaeologist paolo carafa
542
00:32:44,363 --> 00:32:46,530
Examines another oculus
in the ruins
543
00:32:46,632 --> 00:32:50,133
Of hadrian's famous villa
to investigate this mystery.
544
00:32:52,071 --> 00:32:54,838
This miniature oculus,
just 3 feet wide,
545
00:32:54,940 --> 00:32:57,040
Has a surprising purpose.
546
00:32:57,142 --> 00:32:59,609
Carafa:
These are the great bath.
547
00:32:59,712 --> 00:33:04,014
This was the hottest room in
the bath, like a steaming room,
548
00:33:04,116 --> 00:33:08,518
And it was covered by a dome
with an oculus in it
549
00:33:08,620 --> 00:33:11,088
Exactly like the dome of
the pantheon.
550
00:33:11,190 --> 00:33:13,790
Narrator: Today, half of
this dome is missing,
551
00:33:13,892 --> 00:33:17,260
But paolo's reconstruction
leads him to believe the oculus
552
00:33:17,363 --> 00:33:19,296
Plays a critical
functional role
553
00:33:19,398 --> 00:33:20,897
In this structure.
554
00:33:21,000 --> 00:33:24,334
We can imagine people sitting
on the benches all around this
555
00:33:24,436 --> 00:33:28,839
Wall with the steam flowing
out of the hole in the dome.
556
00:33:28,941 --> 00:33:31,808
Narrator: Here, the function of
the oculus is to let
557
00:33:31,910 --> 00:33:35,078
The steam from the baths out
through the hole in the ceiling.
558
00:33:37,249 --> 00:33:40,417
The oculus is a key feature
of roman baths for nearly
559
00:33:40,519 --> 00:33:41,718
A century before
560
00:33:41,820 --> 00:33:45,155
Hadrian creates his
in his villa.
561
00:33:45,257 --> 00:33:49,126
The temple of mercury bathing
hall in the nearby spa town
562
00:33:49,228 --> 00:33:50,927
Of baiae, has one of
563
00:33:51,030 --> 00:33:52,796
The largest oculi
of its time.
564
00:33:54,867 --> 00:33:58,068
But in all roman baths,
the dome and oculus
565
00:33:58,170 --> 00:34:01,905
Are always part of a larger
complex of bathing pools.
566
00:34:03,409 --> 00:34:06,676
The buildings never stand
alone, like the pantheon,
567
00:34:06,779 --> 00:34:09,513
And no oculus has
ever spanned so wide.
568
00:34:10,883 --> 00:34:13,784
The pantheon's supersized oculus
is twice as
569
00:34:13,886 --> 00:34:15,886
Wide as that
in the temple of mercury.
570
00:34:17,189 --> 00:34:18,989
So what is its purpose?
571
00:34:20,392 --> 00:34:23,326
Carafa: In the pantheon,
the oculus is a void space
572
00:34:23,429 --> 00:34:26,029
Created to sustain
the whole dome.
573
00:34:27,800 --> 00:34:30,300
Narrator: Hadrian's engineers
use their oculus
574
00:34:30,402 --> 00:34:32,903
To reduce the weight of
the dome.
575
00:34:33,005 --> 00:34:34,938
This makes the largest dome in
576
00:34:35,040 --> 00:34:38,275
The world at that time
a reality.
577
00:34:38,377 --> 00:34:41,044
Then they use the effect
the oculus creates
578
00:34:41,146 --> 00:34:44,281
To give the pantheon
an ethereal, heavenly aura.
579
00:34:45,751 --> 00:34:47,884
But hadrian goes
one step further.
580
00:34:47,986 --> 00:34:51,721
His engineers expertly
design the orientation of
581
00:34:51,824 --> 00:34:55,058
The oculus and the door
to align with the sun
582
00:34:55,160 --> 00:34:58,695
Each year on April 21st,
rome's birthday,
583
00:35:00,065 --> 00:35:01,932
When he enters
the pantheon,
584
00:35:02,034 --> 00:35:05,402
Hadrian is bathed in
awe-inspiring light.
585
00:35:05,504 --> 00:35:08,405
It makes him appear
almost divine.
586
00:35:08,507 --> 00:35:11,041
The spectacle amazes
the people inside.
587
00:35:12,878 --> 00:35:14,578
No other building
in the whole of
588
00:35:14,680 --> 00:35:17,614
Ancient rome has ever created
the same effect.
589
00:35:18,851 --> 00:35:23,286
How does hadrian formulate
such a sophisticated design?
590
00:35:23,388 --> 00:35:26,089
Carafa:
Hadrian traveled a lot.
591
00:35:26,191 --> 00:35:28,892
He travels
all through the empire,
592
00:35:28,994 --> 00:35:33,730
And he claimed he was the only
emperor to have seen every
593
00:35:33,832 --> 00:35:36,266
Place in his empire.
594
00:35:36,368 --> 00:35:39,603
Narrator: Do hadrian's travels
across his empire also
595
00:35:39,705 --> 00:35:41,104
Inspire the pantheon?
596
00:35:45,244 --> 00:35:46,309
In his youth,
597
00:35:46,411 --> 00:35:49,813
Hadrian is nicknamed
graeculus, meaning greekling,
598
00:35:49,915 --> 00:35:53,650
Because he likes to immerse
himself in greek studies.
599
00:35:53,752 --> 00:35:57,587
As emperor, he frequently
visits greece.
600
00:35:57,689 --> 00:36:01,224
He admires the culture
and architecture
601
00:36:01,326 --> 00:36:04,361
And sponsors the construction
of grand temples there.
602
00:36:08,033 --> 00:36:11,535
In return, the athenians
build him a grand arch,
603
00:36:11,637 --> 00:36:15,105
Naming him as a co-founder
of their city.
604
00:36:17,276 --> 00:36:20,243
Back in rome, he builds
a lecture hall called
605
00:36:20,345 --> 00:36:23,513
The athenaeum to promote
the greek way of thinking
606
00:36:23,615 --> 00:36:24,548
Among romans.
607
00:36:24,650 --> 00:36:30,086
♪♪
608
00:36:30,189 --> 00:36:35,125
Hadrian wants to make rome
in some way the inheritor of
609
00:36:35,227 --> 00:36:37,093
The culture of athens,
610
00:36:37,196 --> 00:36:39,696
To leave it as his legacy.
611
00:36:39,798 --> 00:36:42,232
Narrator: Hadrian's greek legacy
is secretly
612
00:36:42,334 --> 00:36:44,568
Embedded into the design
of the pantheon.
613
00:36:46,538 --> 00:36:49,072
He uses scientific principles
developed by
614
00:36:49,174 --> 00:36:51,841
The greeks to design
the pantheon with
615
00:36:51,944 --> 00:36:53,109
Perfect symmetry.
616
00:36:54,646 --> 00:36:59,516
This faultless design gives it
a sense of supreme harmony.
617
00:36:59,618 --> 00:37:03,153
Hadrian creates a building
filled with greek features,
618
00:37:03,255 --> 00:37:06,022
A record-breaking oculus,
and made of
619
00:37:06,124 --> 00:37:08,625
Indestructible materials.
620
00:37:08,727 --> 00:37:11,895
But how is the pantheon used
when hadrian no longer
621
00:37:11,997 --> 00:37:12,996
Rules rome?
622
00:37:21,506 --> 00:37:23,473
Narrator:
The powerful emperor hadrian
623
00:37:23,575 --> 00:37:26,142
Creates the pantheon
to fulfill his vision
624
00:37:26,245 --> 00:37:30,814
Of a world ruled by
greek harmony and beauty.
625
00:37:30,916 --> 00:37:32,549
But what happens
to the pantheon
626
00:37:32,651 --> 00:37:35,685
After hadrian's death
in 138 a.D.?
627
00:37:37,923 --> 00:37:39,789
The magnificent building
is used as
628
00:37:39,891 --> 00:37:42,492
An audience hall
for more than four centuries,
629
00:37:43,895 --> 00:37:45,829
But in 608 a.D.,
630
00:37:45,931 --> 00:37:48,198
After the advance
of christianity,
631
00:37:48,300 --> 00:37:51,835
Emperor phocas transforms
the pantheon into a church.
632
00:38:06,551 --> 00:38:08,218
Narrator:
For 14 centuries,
633
00:38:08,320 --> 00:38:12,222
To this day, the pantheon
remains a catholic church.
634
00:38:12,324 --> 00:38:13,790
Throughout this time,
it's been
635
00:38:13,892 --> 00:38:16,059
A constant source
of inspiration.
636
00:38:18,130 --> 00:38:22,232
Renaissance engineer filippo
brunelleschi spends 10 years in
637
00:38:22,334 --> 00:38:25,835
Rome, studying the pantheon
to unlock its secrets.
638
00:38:27,105 --> 00:38:29,306
When he returns to florence,
639
00:38:29,408 --> 00:38:33,343
He builds the dome of santa
maria del fiore cathedral.
640
00:38:33,445 --> 00:38:37,380
The dome has
a diameter of 147 feet.
641
00:38:37,482 --> 00:38:41,518
Its dimensions exceed the
pantheon's immense clear span.
642
00:38:42,988 --> 00:38:46,423
100 years later,
michelangelo draws inspiration
643
00:38:46,525 --> 00:38:47,724
From the pantheon
644
00:38:47,826 --> 00:38:51,227
For the iconic brick dome of
st. Peter's basilica in rome.
645
00:38:52,698 --> 00:38:54,097
But the influence of
646
00:38:54,199 --> 00:38:57,067
The pantheon travels
much further than Italy.
647
00:38:59,271 --> 00:39:04,140
The rotunda at the university
of virginia is built in 1822.
648
00:39:04,242 --> 00:39:07,243
It's designed by u.S. President
thomas jefferson,
649
00:39:07,346 --> 00:39:09,713
Who is inspired
by the pantheon.
650
00:39:09,815 --> 00:39:11,948
It is the focal point
of the school.
651
00:39:13,552 --> 00:39:17,220
Jefferson is an architecture
enthusiast, just like hadrian.
652
00:39:18,423 --> 00:39:22,192
The jefferson memorial,
built in the 1940s,
653
00:39:22,294 --> 00:39:24,928
Is a tribute to one of
the founding fathers,
654
00:39:25,030 --> 00:39:27,597
As well as
to his architectural designs.
655
00:39:30,102 --> 00:39:33,069
And right in the heart
of washington, d.C.,
656
00:39:33,171 --> 00:39:37,006
The pantheon is forever
remembered in the rotunda of
657
00:39:37,109 --> 00:39:38,775
The u.S. Capitol,
658
00:39:38,877 --> 00:39:41,177
The ultimate symbol of
democratic government
659
00:39:41,279 --> 00:39:42,579
In the world.
660
00:39:44,583 --> 00:39:46,583
Higgins:
The pantheon symbolizes
661
00:39:46,685 --> 00:39:49,018
A type of architecture
that has been used
662
00:39:49,121 --> 00:39:51,688
Throughout the world
to indicate
663
00:39:51,790 --> 00:39:55,225
Public buildings that
carry great weight
664
00:39:55,327 --> 00:39:58,561
And that are hugely important
for the nation.
665
00:39:58,663 --> 00:40:00,964
Narrator: Today,
the pantheon remains one of
666
00:40:01,066 --> 00:40:02,999
The most famous symbols
of rome.
667
00:40:04,770 --> 00:40:06,970
Hadrian's legacy is
long-lasting.
668
00:40:08,373 --> 00:40:12,142
The pantheon continues to awe
all that enter its doors.
669
00:40:13,945 --> 00:40:17,680
But once a year, his oculus
finds a new purpose.
670
00:40:32,164 --> 00:40:34,764
Narrator: From religious
to public buildings,
671
00:40:34,866 --> 00:40:37,533
This mighty structure has been
a constant symbol
672
00:40:37,602 --> 00:40:39,536
Of innovation.
673
00:40:39,638 --> 00:40:43,306
Emperor hadrian uses his villa
to trial ingenious
674
00:40:43,408 --> 00:40:45,008
Engineering feats
675
00:40:45,110 --> 00:40:48,778
And draws on buildings from
across his empire to create
676
00:40:48,880 --> 00:40:50,713
The ultimate monument,
677
00:40:50,816 --> 00:40:53,016
Built to last forever.
678
00:40:53,118 --> 00:40:55,485
Higgins: This building
is the best preserved
679
00:40:55,587 --> 00:41:00,123
Roman building that we have,
and it shows us the genius,
680
00:41:00,225 --> 00:41:03,226
The spirit,
of roman architecture.
681
00:41:06,398 --> 00:41:08,064
Narrator:
The pantheon is one of rome's
682
00:41:08,166 --> 00:41:10,733
Most astonishing achievements,
683
00:41:10,836 --> 00:41:15,071
An engineering marvel
with a record-breaking roof,
684
00:41:15,173 --> 00:41:17,207
Roman concrete at its heart,
685
00:41:19,110 --> 00:41:22,712
And clues to its past hiding
beneath its foundations.
686
00:41:24,449 --> 00:41:27,217
The iconic pantheon
still stands strong
687
00:41:27,319 --> 00:41:28,585
At the heart of rome,
688
00:41:28,687 --> 00:41:33,156
Connecting the past and
present of this eternal city.
689
00:41:33,258 --> 00:41:40,964
♪♪
690
00:41:41,066 --> 00:41:50,139
♪♪
691
00:41:50,242 --> 00:41:58,381
♪♪
692
00:41:58,483 --> 00:42:02,685
♪♪
693
00:42:02,685 --> 00:42:04,685
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