History Brain Teaser: Can You Identify the 2000 Yr Old Landmark?

This temple stands perfectly preserved in the heart of a modern city. It has seen major earthquakes, wars, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and yet it stands tall to this day.

The temple shown in the landmark is 2000 yrs old. It was built between 118 and 125 AD. That’s how old it is! 

Your task is simple: identify the landmark from the picture. It will be a test of your history knowledge and intelligence.

When I was first presented with the picture, it took me about 12-15 seconds to analyse it. The columns of the building resemble a typical Roman temple. But what differentiates it from others is the circular dome that is unique.

Now that I have given you a clue, set the timer for 10 seconds and see if you can identify this famous landmark.

The answer will be provided below. Don’t scroll down and check it straight away, as it will take the charm out of the puzzle game.

Need some hints?

Here you go!

Hint: It is famous for a giant hole at the center of its roof.

Now, it becomes easier to identify the temple.

Hurry up!

The clock is running.

But don’t worry, if you fall behind, you can take some more time and see if you can identify the landmark.

But if you were able to identify the landmark within 10 seconds, you belong to the very exclusive club of intellectual minds in the world.

Okay, final few seconds remaining.

This history brain teaser is an excellent way to test your observation skills and has the potential to improve your long-term memory.

Have you identified the landmark by now?

And…

Time’s up!

Congratulations to those super-talented readers who have guessed the landmark correctly.

Ready for the reveal!

Let’s check out the answer now!

History Brain Teaser: Solution

The solution to this historical brain teaser is that the landmark is the Pantheon of Rome, one of Italy's most-visited historical monuments.

Some might have mistaken this for the Parthenon, an ancient temple on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

Now that you know it's the Pantheon, let us learn some interesting facts about the Pantheon of Rome.

Interesting Facts about the Pantheon of Rome

1. The original temple was built by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa between 25 and 27 BC. But it was burned down in 80 AD. The next one built by Domitian was again gutted in 110 AD. The current building that stands today was built by Hadrian between 118 and 125 AD.

2. It is the oldest, continually used structure in the world.

3. The dome of the Pantheon is the largest unsupported concrete dome in the world.

4. Pantheon comes from the Greek words pan, meaning all, and theos, meaning gods.

5. The Oculus or the eye is present at the centre of the dome, which holds the concrete dome and prevents it from caving in; it also acts as a sundial and a source of ventilation in the temple.

6. The seven pillars forming the portico at the entrance of the Pantheon are known as “Pillar of Woes” or the "Column of Matidia".

7. The Pantheon features in pop culture in movies like Roman Holiday and Angels and Demons.

If you are looking to boost your brain further, explore our Puzzles and IQ test section for more such interesting puzzles.