Oculus in Architecture

An Oculus or circular window, has been an ever present feature of classical architecture, since the early sixteenth century. Oculus is the latin word for 'eye'. The oculus was a significant source of light in classical buildings.

The most famous example of the use of an oculus in architecture is at the Pantheon in Rome.

The Pantheon Rome. An example of an oculus at the center of a dome.