Imagine standing before a majestic structure, a testament to the ingenuity and grandeur of a long-gone empire. That’s the feeling you get when you see the Colosseum, one of the few remaining intact remnants of the Roman Empire.
A Monument to Power and Entertainment
This architectural marvel isn’t just a symbol of ancient Rome’s engineering prowess; it also plays a significant role in modern Italy’s economy. The Colosseum, along with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, generated over $63.3 million (€53.8 million) in 2018, making it the top tourist attraction in Italy.
This towering structure, however, has witnessed both glory and decline. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Colosseum fell into disrepair. It was even used as a fortress by influential families like the Frangipane and Annibaldi in the 12th century. The 15th century saw the Colosseum transformed into a quarry, its stones plundered for other projects. It was only in the 1990s that state-funded restoration efforts began, rescuing this magnificent monument from centuries of neglect.
A Stage for Spectacle
The Colosseum was built in the wake of the chaotic “Year of the Four Emperors” (69 CE), a period of political turmoil. The emperor Vespasian sought to revitalize Rome and envisioned the Colosseum as a grand entertainment venue. Gladiator fights, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles took place within its walls, captivating audiences.
Construction began in 70 CE under Vespasian and was completed in 80 CE by his son and successor, Titus. The Colosseum’s fourth story was added by Emperor Domitian in 82 CE. Interestingly, the Colosseum’s construction was financed by plunder from Titus’s conquest of Jerusalem in 70 CE, and it was built by enslaved Jews from Judaea.
A Masterpiece of Architecture
The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheater built entirely of stone, concrete, and tuff. Its four towering stories, measuring 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters), could hold up to 50,000 spectators. Gladiatorial combat was the Colosseum’s most famous use, attracting massive crowds.
The Colosseum was built east of the Palatine Hill, on the site of Nero’s infamous Golden House. The artificial lake that graced Nero’s palace complex was drained to make way for the Colosseum, a symbolic act of replacing the tyrant’s private pleasure with a public space for the people.
A Monument of Engineering and Design
Unlike earlier amphitheaters, which were often built into hillsides, the Colosseum is a freestanding structure of stone and concrete. It features an intricate system of barrel and groin vaults. The Colosseum’s three lower stories are adorned with arcades and engaged columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders – a stunning architectural arrangement that influenced Renaissance architects.
The Colosseum’s structural framework and facade are made of travertine, while volcanic tufa comprises the secondary walls. The inner bowl and arcade vaults are made of concrete.
Protecting the Past for the Future
Spectators in the Colosseum were protected from the sun by a retractable awning called a velarium. Massive masts extended from the top story, and hundreds of Roman sailors manipulated the velarium’s rigging, ensuring the comfort of the audience.
While the Colosseum is best known for its gladiatorial combats and animal hunts, it also hosted mock naval battles, a testament to the Romans’ ingenuity. However, the Colosseum’s role in the martyrdom of early Christians remains uncertain.
Through the centuries, the Colosseum served as a church, a fortress, and a quarry, suffering damage from earthquakes, lightning, vandalism, and pollution. The marble seats and decorative materials were stripped away, leaving the Colosseum in a state of neglect for over a thousand years.
Fortunately, the Colosseum’s preservation began in earnest in the 19th century, with major efforts led by Pope Pius VIII. The 1990s saw a significant restoration project, ensuring this iconic landmark would stand for future generations.
Today, the Colosseum is one of Rome’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually. It continues to stand as a symbol of Roman power and resilience, reminding us of the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire.
