Standing tall as a testament to the Romans’ architectural brilliance and engineering prowess, the Colosseum stands as one of the few largely intact structures from the Roman Empire. The Colosseum isn’t just a historical landmark; it’s a modern-day economic engine for Italy, drawing in millions of tourists every year. In 2018, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill combined to generate over $63.3 million (€53.8 million) in revenue, making it Italy’s most lucrative tourist attraction.
The Colosseum, however, hasn’t always enjoyed its current status as a beloved monument. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Colosseum fell into disrepair. The arena was repurposed during the 12th century by the Frangipane and Annibaldi families who used it as a fortress. In the late 15th century, Pope Alexander VI allowed the Colosseum to be used as a quarry, stripping away its stone and leaving it in a state of neglect for over a thousand years. It wasn’t until the 1990s that state-funded restoration efforts began, breathing new life into this iconic landmark.
A Monument Built on Power and Entertainment
The Colosseum’s construction was a statement of imperial power, designed to revitalize Rome following the turbulent “Year of the Four Emperors” in 69 CE. Like other amphitheaters, Emperor Vespasian envisioned the Colosseum as a center of entertainment, hosting thrilling events such as gladiator fights, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles.
The Colosseum’s construction began under Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 CE. Its completion and dedication in 80 CE by Vespasian’s son and successor, Titus, marked a significant milestone in Roman history. The Colosseum’s fourth story was added by Emperor Domitian in 82 CE. Interestingly, the arena’s construction was financed by the spoils of war from Titus’s conquest of Jerusalem in 70 CE. The labor force, tragically, consisted of Jewish slaves from Judaea.
An Architectural Marvel
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, is an elliptical structure built of stone, concrete, and tuff. The Colosseum rises to four stories, spanning 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters) and with the capacity to accommodate up to 50,000 spectators. The Colosseum’s fame is inextricably linked to its use for gladiatorial combat, a testament to the brutal yet mesmerizing entertainment of the Roman Empire.
The Colosseum, situated east of the Palatine Hill, was built on the grounds of Nero’s Golden House. The artificial lake that was the centerpiece of Nero’s palace complex was drained to make way for the Colosseum, a symbolic gesture that reflected Vespasian’s desire to replace Nero’s extravagant and tyrannical reign with public spectacles.
A Structure of Innovation and Grandeur
Unlike earlier amphitheaters, which relied on hillsides for support, the Colosseum is a freestanding structure, a marvel of engineering. It incorporates a complex system of barrel vaults and groin vaults, showcasing the Romans’ understanding of structural stability and architectural innovation. The Colosseum’s three lower stories are adorned with arcades framed by engaged columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, a testament to the Romans’ architectural mastery. This arrangement of columns later served as the basis for the Renaissance codification known as the assemblage of orders. The Colosseum’s primary structure and facade are made of travertine, a durable stone, while the secondary walls are constructed of volcanic tufa, a lightweight and readily available material. The inner bowl and arcade vaults are crafted from concrete, a testament to Roman innovation in building materials.
The Colosseum provided its spectators with an unparalleled viewing experience. A massive retractable awning, known as a velarium, shielded spectators from the sun. This awning was supported by masts that extended from corbels built into the Colosseum’s top story, requiring hundreds of Roman sailors to manipulate the complex rigging. The Colosseum served as the stage for countless gladiatorial combats, contests between men and animals, and even large-scale mock naval battles. While the Colosseum’s role in the martyrdom of early Christians remains uncertain, the amphitheater stands as a powerful symbol of Roman power and spectacle.
From Glory to Neglect and Revival
Over the centuries, the Colosseum experienced periods of both glory and neglect. In medieval times, the Colosseum was transformed into a church, later used as a fortress by prominent Roman families. The Colosseum suffered from the ravages of lightning, earthquakes, vandalism, and pollution. Its marble seats and decorative materials were stripped away, the Colosseum reduced to a quarry for over a thousand years.
The preservation of the Colosseum began in earnest in the 19th century, with notable efforts by Pope Pius VIII. A major restoration project was launched in the 1990s, reviving the Colosseum to its current splendor. Today, the Colosseum stands as one of Rome’s most iconic tourist attractions, welcoming close to seven million visitors each year. It’s not only a monument to a bygone era but also a testament to the enduring power of history and the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate our shared past.
