How the Pantheon, which was built over 2000 years ago, is still standing when buildings made 150 years ago are about to crumble.

Question

Edit- After reading most of the comments the general consensus is listed below:

1. The unique composite matrix of the concrete used gives it a self-healing property. When cracks form in the concrete, it will naturally seal them.
2. The Pantheon was a very significant structure which led to meticulous maintenance and restorations
3. The Romans didn’t have modern engineering. So they didn’t know exactly how strong they’d have to build the Pantheon to make it last. Their solution was to overbuild the hell out of it.
4. Survivorship bias. There were thousands of buildings constructed by the Romans but very few remain which are the ones we marvel at.

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In: 564

Answer 1

To add to what everyone else has said, there’s also what we call survivorship bias. The ~~Greeks~~ [Romans] built many buildings around the same time as the Pantheon, but very few remain. Those that do remain are the ones that were built to last and have received maintenance. The ones that weren’t are no longer here for you to talk about.

Modern buildings can also last a long time if they are well built and have regular maintenance. There are plenty of buildings that are 150 years old and are currently in good shape.