The Pantheon(万神殿)is one of the greatest achievements of the ancient Romans. The ancient Romans were good architects and they built numerous great buildings,many of which are still in good condition today.The Roman architectural style has been borrowed by many of the western countries.
The architecture of the Pantheon is unique.In Latin and Greek,pantheon means “Temple of all the Gods”.It is believed that a Roman general built the original Pantheon in 27 BC.It was built to celebrate the victory of a historic battle.The Pantheon was completely destroyed in a big fire in 80 AD.The Pantheon that we see today was actually reconstructed in 125 AD by a Roman emperor.Many historians think that the Pantheon was a place of worship(敬奉), because it housed all the gods and goddesses of ancient Romans.
The Pantheon is a splendid example of ancient Roman architecture.This building has been in use for over 2,000 years.The Pantheon is famous for its design,size and its huge dome.The most amazing feature of this building is its huge dome.The Pantheon dome was thought to be the largest in Italy,and even in the whole world.The doors are made of metal and are over 26 feet high.The doorway of the Pantheon is about 40 feet high and 20 feet wide.The columns,weighing 60 tons each,were made of the stones transported from Egypt.
A point worthy of mention is that the Greeks greatly influenced the Roman art and architecture.There is an oculus(圆窗) in the center of the dome known as the “Great Eye”,which opens to the sky.The “Great Eye” is the source of light and also serves as a ventilator (通风口).If snow or rain falls inside the Pantheon through the oculus,there are pipes that help draw off the water.
On special occasions,religious celebrations were held here.Under Papal rule,it was used as a burial ground for kings and other famous people,including painters who followed Christianity.There are tombs of Raphael,the painter(died in 1520),King Victor Emmanuel Ⅱ (died in 1878),and many more in the Pantheon.
1.What can we learn from the first paragraph?
A.There were numerous architectural styles in Rome.
B.The Pantheon is the only well-preserved ancient building in Rome.
C.The Pantheon is the oldest as well as the largest building in the world.
D.Roman architecture has had a great influence on many western countries.
2.The Pantheon was thought highly of especially because of its .
A.huge size B.heavy doors C.tall columns D.big dome
3.What is the passage mainly about?
A.Building styles in ancient Rome. B.How the Pantheon was built.
C.Some facts about the Pantheon. D.Ancient buildings in Rome.
语篇解读:本文是说明文,介绍了罗马的万神殿,它是意大利乃至整个欧洲建筑史上的杰作,我们可以通过它来了解古罗马的建筑风格。
答案及剖析:
1.D 细节理解题。根据第一段“The Roman architectural style has been borrowed by many of the western countries”可知,古罗马的建筑风格对西方许多国家都产生了很大的影响。
2.D 细节理解题。根据第三段“The Pantheon is famous for its design,size and its huge dome.The most amazing feature of this building is its huge dome...even in the whole world”可知,罗马万神殿因其巨大的穹顶而受到高度评价。
3.C 主旨大意题。本文从历史建筑风格和用途等方面对罗马万神殿作了介绍。
