The mystery of the Pantheon doors, which weigh 17 tons but can be opened by one person

The masterpieces of the ancients have repeatedly baffled modern scientists and engineers. What can be created today with the help of computer calculations and modern technology was made thousands of years ago using simple calculations and primitive tools. An example of the skillful work of ancient designers and craftsmen can be considered the doors of the Roman Pantheon.

Until recently, no one believed that the huge and incredibly heavy doors of the Pantheon were created two thousand years ago. It was believed that they were made in the Middle Ages, but recent research has shown amazing results. It turned out that double doors with a total weight of 17 tons were created in 115 AD.

But what is most surprising is not the scale of the structure, but its amazing mechanism. The huge doors are designed in such a way that they can be opened by one person without exerting excessive effort. The Pantheon doors have no bearings or counterweights. Their secret lies in the precise calculation and fine-tuning of moving parts.

The unique doors were misdated due to an apparently altered frame and a later grille at the top. In addition, few people believed that the ancients could create such an accurate and effective device. Already in the 21st century, scientists analyzed the bronze from which the doors were made, and, to their surprise, they saw that it was an ancient original.

Over two thousand years, the design of the door was changed by masters of different eras, decorating them in accordance with the fashion of their time. But the bulk of them remained unchanged. Each door is 2.3 meters wide and 7.5 meters high and weighs 8.5 tons. They are held in place by massive bronze pins fixed in the floor and architrave of the building. This solution allowed the sashes to be precisely balanced and made it easier to replace worn parts.

Obviously, the ancients repaired and maintained huge doors without much difficulty. But in the 18th century they failed to cope with the task. In 1757, the doors began to get stuck and the city authorities of Rome decided to carry out repairs. Due to the inept actions of the craftsmen, the structure fell. The doors were installed in place with some difficulty. But at the same time, the left door opened only partially, and the right one was blocked.

It was only two centuries later that the doors of the Pantheon were restored to functionality. To do this, the sashes were removed again and the pins and adjusting plates were replaced. It must be said that even in the 20th century this was not easy to do, and the repairs took several months. Today, this masterpiece of Roman craftsmen delights residents and guests of Rome with its austere beauty and impeccable workmanship.