Standing as a testament to the architectural brilliance and engineering prowess of ancient Rome, the Colosseum is one of the few structures from the Roman Empire that has survived mostly intact. Its historical significance extends beyond its awe-inspiring grandeur, as it continues to be a significant source of tourism revenue for Italy. In 2018 alone, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill together attracted a massive number of visitors, generating over €53.8 million in revenue, making it the top tourist attraction in the country.
However, the Colosseum’s journey through time has not been without its challenges. After the decline of the Western Roman Empire, the structure fell into a state of serious disrepair. The arena was repurposed by powerful families like the Frangipane and Annibaldi, who used it as a fortress in the 12th century. In the late 15th century, the Colosseum was treated as a quarry by Pope Alexander VI, its stones being stripped for use in other construction projects. This period of neglect lasted over a thousand years, only to be reversed by state-funded restoration efforts in the 1990s.
A Symbol of Imperial Power and Entertainment
The Colosseum was built as part of an imperial effort to revitalize Rome after the tumultuous year of the four emperors in 69 CE. Like other amphitheatres, Emperor Vespasian envisioned the Colosseum as a venue for public entertainment, hosting thrilling gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles.
Construction of the Colosseum commenced under Emperor Vespasian’s reign between 70 and 72 CE. The completed structure was dedicated in 80 CE by Titus, Vespasian’s son and successor. The Colosseum’s fourth story was later added by Emperor Domitian in 82 CE. Notably, the arena’s construction was funded by the spoils captured from Titus’s conquest of Jerusalem in 70 CE. The workforce involved in its construction consisted of enslaved Jews from Judaea.
A Monument of Engineering Marvel
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an elliptical structure built using stone, concrete, and tuff. It rises to a height of four stories, measuring a staggering 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 metres). Its immense size allowed for the accommodation of up to 50,000 spectators, making it the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire. The Colosseum was renowned for its gladiatorial combats, which captivated audiences with their breathtaking displays of skill and bravery.
The Colosseum’s location, just east of the Palatine Hill, on the grounds of Nero’s Golden House, was strategically chosen. The artificial lake, a centerpiece of Nero’s opulent palace complex, was drained to make way for the amphitheatre, a decision driven by both practical and symbolic reasons. Vespasian, whose rise to power was less extravagant compared to his predecessor, chose to replace the tyrannical emperor’s private lake with a public amphitheatre, a symbol of his commitment to the Roman people and their entertainment.
The structure was officially dedicated in 80 CE by Titus, with 100 days of games. Domitian later added the uppermost story in 82 CE, completing the majestic structure. Unlike earlier amphitheatres, which were often built into hillsides for additional support, the Colosseum is a freestanding masterpiece of stone and concrete. Its intricate design incorporates barrel vaults and groin vaults, creating a robust and elegant structure. The Colosseum’s exterior is adorned with three tiers of arcades framed by engaged columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, a distinctive architectural arrangement that inspired the Renaissance codification of the assemblage of orders.
The Colosseum’s construction involved a meticulous combination of materials. Travertine, a durable limestone, formed the primary structural framework and facade. Volcanic tufa, a lightweight and easily worked stone, was used for the secondary walls. Concrete, a revolutionary material for its time, was employed for the inner bowl and arcade vaults, demonstrating the Romans’ innovative engineering skills.
The Colosseum provided an unparalleled experience for its spectators. The arena could accommodate around 50,000 people, who were protected from the scorching sun by a massive retractable awning known as a velarium. Supporting masts were extended from corbels built into the Colosseum’s top story, and hundreds of Roman sailors were required to manipulate the rigging that raised and lowered the velarium. The Colosseum witnessed countless events, from the gladiatorial combats that were its hallmark to contests between men and animals, and even mock naval battles.
A Legacy of Resilience and Restoration
In the medieval period, the Colosseum faced a new set of challenges. It was used as a church for a time, followed by a fortress under the control of prominent Roman families, the Frangipane and Annibaldi. Unfortunately, the structure suffered damage due to lightning strikes, earthquakes, and most significantly, vandalism and pollution. The once ornate marble seats and decorative materials were stripped away, leaving the Colosseum in a state of neglect for over 1,000 years.
The Colosseum’s preservation efforts began in earnest in the 19th century, with notable contributions from Pope Pius VIII. A significant restoration project was launched in the 1990s, revitalizing the structure and showcasing its grandeur to the world. Today, the Colosseum stands as one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, attracting close to seven million visitors annually. The arena’s legacy lives on through exhibitions related to ancient Roman culture, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and the enduring impact of this remarkable structure.
