Colosseum

Colosseum, also called Flavian Amphitheatre, giant amphitheatre built in Rome under the Flavian
emperors. Construction of the Colosseum was begun sometime between 70 and 72 ce during the
reign of Vespasian. It is located just east of the Palatine Hill, on the grounds of what was Neros
Golden House. The artificial lake that was the centrepiece of that palace complex was drained, and
the Colosseum was sited there, a decision that was as much symbolic as it was practical. Vespasian,
whose path to the throne had relatively humble beginnings, chose to replace the tyrannical
emperors private lake with a public amphitheatre that could host tens of thousands of Romans.
The structure was officially dedicated in 80 ce by Titus in a ceremony that included 100 days of
games. Later, in 82 ce, Domitian completed the work by adding the uppermost story. Unlike earlier
amphitheatres, which were nearly all dug into convenient hillsides for extra support, the Colosseum
is a freestanding structure of stone and concrete, measuring 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 metres)
overall. Three of the arenas stories are encircled by arcades framed by decorative half-columns in
the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders; the structures rising arrangement of columns became the
basis of the Renaissance codification known as the assemblage of orders. The main structural
framework and faade are travertine, the secondary walls are volcanic tufa, the inner bowl and the
arcade vaults are concrete.

Object 1

Similar Topics

Roman Forum
Trajans Column
San Marco Basilica
Circus Maximus
Pantheon
David
Sistine Chapel
Castel SantAngelo
St. Peters Basilica

 Leaning Tower of Pisa

The amphitheatre seated some 50,000 spectators, who were shielded from the sun by a massive
retractable velarium (awning). Supporting masts extended from corbels built into the Colosseums
top, or attic, story, and hundreds of Roman sailors were required to manipulate the rigging that
extended and retracted the velarium. The Colosseum was the scene of thousands of hand-to-hand
combats between gladiators, of contests between men and animals, and of many larger combats,
including mock naval engagements. However, it is uncertain whether the arena was the site of the
martyrdom of early Christians.

Interior of the Colosseum, Rome.

Shawn McCullars
The Colosseum was damaged by lightning and earthquakes in medieval times and, even more
severely, by vandalism. All the marble seats and decorative materials disappeared, as the site was
treated as little more than a quarry for more than 1,000 years. Preservation of the Colosseum began
in earnest in the 19th century, with notable efforts led by Pius VIII, and a restoration project was
undertaken in the 1990s. It has long been one of Romes major tourist attractions. Changing
exhibitions relating to the culture of ancient Rome are regularly mounted.