Architectural History: The Roman Coliseum
The Roman Coliseum is an amazing piece of architectural history and has played a significant role in history as well. Construction began in 72 AD under the rule of the Emperor Vespasian. It was completed in 80 AD in the very center of Rome. It is located east of the Roman forum, was built to hold 50,000 people, and has eighty entrances. It could easily hold a football field. There are many rooms and tunnels below the Coliseum. Some of them housed animals and gladiators, and some rooms also contained many pulleys and hand pulled elevators. The Coliseum had four floors and eighty arch ways for the people to enter. The Coliseum was covered with a massive awning, which was attached by poles at the top of the Coliseum that was known as “Velarium”.
It protected the spectators from the sun.
Emperors had used the Coliseum to entertain their people, which also increased the Emperor's popularity. The Coliseum was, and still is an amazing spectacle of Rome and for centuries has been a sign of power. Many animals died in the coliseum, as well as competitors. The last of the games were held in the 6th century. The Coliseum has survived for 2000 years, with standing many earth quakes, storms, and wars. It has survived more than most modern buildings.
It is known as the home for the gladiators because many men fought and died there. The gladiators attracted spectators from all over Rome and many people from other countries. The people loved to watch the spectacle of battles, or races. The games would go for a whole day or maybe even several days; the gladiators were usually slaves or convicted criminals, and on occasion free Romans would take part in the emperor's spectacle.
The history of Rome when Julius Ceaser was in control is known throughout the world, along with the use of the Coliseum. Rome has a rich history with this Coliseum and is enthusiastic for tourist to visit and for people to learn the stories of this great architectural wonder. The Coliseum is simply a fascinating piece of history to me. I enjoy learning the history of all that has happened there, the fights used for political gain, and the favoritism for the warriors who fought there. I feel this piece of history was responsible for uniting so much of Rome for as long as it did and it is still an incredible wonder to view.
It protected the spectators from the sun.
Emperors had used the Coliseum to entertain their people, which also increased the Emperor's popularity. The Coliseum was, and still is an amazing spectacle of Rome and for centuries has been a sign of power. Many animals died in the coliseum, as well as competitors. The last of the games were held in the 6th century. The Coliseum has survived for 2000 years, with standing many earth quakes, storms, and wars. It has survived more than most modern buildings.
It is known as the home for the gladiators because many men fought and died there. The gladiators attracted spectators from all over Rome and many people from other countries. The people loved to watch the spectacle of battles, or races. The games would go for a whole day or maybe even several days; the gladiators were usually slaves or convicted criminals, and on occasion free Romans would take part in the emperor's spectacle.
The history of Rome when Julius Ceaser was in control is known throughout the world, along with the use of the Coliseum. Rome has a rich history with this Coliseum and is enthusiastic for tourist to visit and for people to learn the stories of this great architectural wonder. The Coliseum is simply a fascinating piece of history to me. I enjoy learning the history of all that has happened there, the fights used for political gain, and the favoritism for the warriors who fought there. I feel this piece of history was responsible for uniting so much of Rome for as long as it did and it is still an incredible wonder to view.