The Colosseum, a majestic testament to Roman architectural genius, stands as one of the few largely intact structures from the Roman Empire. More than just a historical marvel, it is also a significant source of income for the Italian government. In 2018, the Colosseum, along with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, generated over $63.3 million (€53.8 million), making it Italy’s top tourist attraction.
This iconic landmark has witnessed centuries of change and resilience. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Colosseum fell into a state of disrepair. During the 12th century, the Frangipane and Annibaldi families transformed the arena into their stronghold. In the late 15th century, Pope Alexander VI authorized the Colosseum’s use as a quarry. The monument, neglected for over a thousand years, finally saw state-funded restoration efforts begin in the 1990s.
A Monument of Imperial Power
The Colosseum’s construction stemmed from the imperial ambition to revive Rome after the chaotic “Year of the Four Emperors” in 69 CE. Like other amphitheaters, the emperor Vespasian envisioned the Colosseum as a hub of entertainment, hosting spectacular events like gladiatorial combats, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles.
From Foundation to Completion
The Colosseum’s construction commenced under the Roman emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 CE. The completed structure was dedicated in 80 CE by Titus, Vespasian’s son and successor. The emperor Domitian added the fourth story in 82 CE. Significantly, the funds for this grand arena came from the spoils of Titus’s conquest of Jerusalem in 70 CE, and it was built by enslaved Jews from Judaea.
A Gigantic Amphitheatre
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an elliptical structure crafted from stone, concrete, and tuff. It rises four stories high, measuring 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters). It was capable of accommodating as many as 50,000 spectators, who witnessed the thrilling spectacle of gladiatorial combat.
A Symbol of Imperial Renewal
The Colosseum stands just east of the Palatine Hill, on the site of Nero’s opulent Golden House. The artificial lake, once the centerpiece of Nero’s palace complex, was drained, making way for the Colosseum. This decision was as much symbolic as it was practical. Vespasian, whose rise to the throne was relatively humble, opted to replace the tyrannical emperor’s private lake with a public amphitheater that could host tens of thousands of Romans.
A Triumph of Architecture and Engineering
Unlike earlier amphitheaters, which were often built into hillsides for additional support, the Colosseum stands independently. Its construction employed a sophisticated system of barrel and groin vaults, using travertine for the primary framework and facade, volcanic tufa for secondary walls, and concrete for the inner bowl and arcade vaults. The three lower stories feature arcades with engaged columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, a design that inspired the Renaissance codification known as the assemblage of orders.
A World of Spectacle
The Colosseum seated approximately 50,000 spectators, protected from the sun by a massive retractable awning known as a velarium. Supporting masts extended from corbels on the top story, requiring hundreds of Roman sailors to operate the rigging that extended and retracted the velarium. The Colosseum served as the stage for thousands of gladiatorial combats, contests between humans and animals, and even larger-scale mock naval battles. However, it is unclear whether the arena was the site of early Christian martyrdoms.
From Glory to Ruin and Renewal
In medieval times, the Colosseum was repurposed as a church, later serving as a fortress for the powerful Frangipane and Annibaldi families. Over time, the Colosseum suffered from the ravages of lightning, earthquakes, and vandalism, as well as pollution. All the marble seats and decorative elements were stripped away, leaving the site as a quarry for over 1,000 years. The Colosseum’s preservation began in earnest in the 19th century, with notable efforts led by Pius VIII. A comprehensive restoration project was undertaken in the 1990s.
A Timeless Legacy
Today, the Colosseum remains one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, welcoming nearly seven million visitors annually. Regularly changing exhibitions explore the culture of ancient Rome, keeping the Colosseum’s legacy alive. This monument stands as a powerful reminder of Rome’s grandeur and the enduring power of human ingenuity.
