The Myth of Agrippa: Who Was the Man Behind the Pantheon of Rome?

The Early Years of Agrippa: His Education

Fate would have it that during his education, Agrippa met Octavian, whom we would later know as Emperor Caesar Augustus. During their studies, they developed a strong friendship, something that saved Marcus Agrippa's older brother, who had been captured on the opposing side of Julius Caesar during the second civil war.

Marcus remained steadfastly loyal to Julius Caesar, who rewarded him by sending him to study with the Macedonian legions alongside Octavian himself. There, he learned architecture but also stood out for his ability to lead large groups.

Agrippa as a Politician and Warrior

A few months after beginning their studies, news of Julius Caesar’s assassination reached them. Octavian marched to Rome, where, as the designated successor, he took the name Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian. Soon realizing he would need legions, he enlisted Agrippa to recruit troops—but that was not the only task for which he relied on him.

Agrippa also played a role in the case against Gaius Cassius Longinus, the assassin of Julius Caesar, highlighting Agrippa's importance to Octavian. That same year, he was also elected Tribune of the Plebs, officially entering the Roman Senate.

While Augustus planned to consolidate his power, Agrippa was the man who helped execute those plans on the battlefield. One of his most significant military achievements was his role in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, where he defeated the forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.

This decisive victory secured Augustus's control over the Roman Empire and sealed the fate of his rivals. As the commander of the fleet, Agrippa demonstrated exceptional naval skill. His tactical knowledge and ability to innovate in maritime warfare—such as building ships with enhanced battle capabilities, which also foreshadowed his creation of the Pantheon of Rome—ensured his success.

However, Agrippa always remained in the background, preferring to serve Rome from the shadows rather than seeking power for himself.

Agrippa: The Builder of the Pantheon of Rome

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, while Agrippa was an exceptional politician and military leader, he is perhaps most remembered for the Pantheon of Agrippa. As aedile in 33 BC, he dedicated himself to improving Rome’s infrastructure, building aqueducts, baths, and improving roads.

Agrippa's efforts to improve the daily lives of Romans are evident, particularly in his construction of aqueducts like the Aqua Virgo, which enhanced the city's water supply. He also oversaw the construction of public baths and plazas, transforming Republican Rome into a monumental city worthy of being the center of the world.

However, his most monumental work was the Pantheon of Rome, a temple dedicated to all gods. The original building, constructed in 27 BC, is not the one we see today (it was later rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD), but it laid the foundation for one of the city's most iconic monuments.

Agrippa personally oversaw the construction of the Pantheon, and his architectural vision was revolutionary. The original design of the temple included innovations that made it stand out from any other structure in Rome, such as a grand façade with majestic columns. Although the original temple was destroyed, the inscription on the frieze of the current Pantheon remains unchanged and still honors him: M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT, "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, built this during his third consulship."

Agrippa died in 12 BC at the age of 51, leaving a significant void in Augustus's court.

Despite the centuries that have passed, the legacy of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa is still present throughout the city—from the baths and aqueducts he built to the monumental structure of the Pantheon of Rome, which continues to withstand the test of time. It remains the primary reason we cannot forget Agrippa’s contributions. Book your tickets to the Pantheon of Rome and celebrate with us the life and work of this ancient genius.