Napoleon and the Pantheon

In ancient Greece and Rome, a Pantheon was a temple dedicated to the Gods. This was in a time period preceeding monotheist religions. In April 1791, the National Assembly issued a decree transforming what should have been a church into a temple dedicated to the great figures of the Nation.

As of today 83 personalities have been interred in the Panthéon. But did you know that during Napoleon's Empire (which lasted from 1804 to 1815), it is no less than 42 figures who have been "Pantheonized": politicians, military officers, legislators, church officials, scientists, entrepreneurs, financiers, and artists!

That means in just 10 years, Napoleon alone acknowldged and honoured the contributions of half the figures in the Panthéon. While it took over two centuries to honour the other half... The next time you hear someone stating Napoleon was a megalomaniac, you can ask them if they know that...

Vive l'Empereur!