Pantheon

Pantheon, in one sense, is a name for a temple or sacred building dedicated to all the gods of a particular religion. The word derives from the Greek words παν (pan, all) and θεος (theos, god). In another sense, it refers to all the gods of a particular religion or mythology, such as the gods of Hinduism, Greek mythology, Norse mythology. Since the 16th century the word has also been used in a secular sense, meaning a set of exalted people.

The word is today used mainly to describe three buildings:

• The Pantheon in Rome, originally a temple to all the gods, a Christian church since the 7th century.

• The Panthéon in Paris, an 18th century building today used as a burial place for famous people.

• The Pantheon in London, an 18th century building now used as a theatre.