The Pantheon

Sir, – Catherine Foley's description of Rome's Pantheon as being "originally built by Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC" needs clarification (An Irishwoman's Diary, April 6th).

Agrippa’s building was twice destroyed and replaced before the emperor Hadrian constructed the present building in 126 AD.

The domed building has been mistakenly attributed to Agrippa rather than Hadrian over the centuries as Hadrian used the text of the original inscription on the new facade: “M. AGRIPPA L. F. COS. TERTIUM FECIT” (Built by Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, in his third consulate). – Yours, etc,

DR JOHN DOHERTY,

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Gaoth Dobhair,

Co Dhún na nGall.