The Colosseum, standing tall as one of the few surviving structures from the Roman Empire, is a testament to ancient Rome’s architectural brilliance and engineering prowess. It’s not just a historical landmark; it’s also a significant contributor to Italy’s economy, drawing in millions of tourists each year. In fact, the Colosseum, alongside the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, raked in over $63.3 million (€53.8 million) in 2018, making it the most lucrative tourist attraction in all of Italy.
This ancient amphitheater, built during the reign of the Flavian emperors, boasts an impressive elliptical shape and stands four stories high. Made of stone, concrete, and tuff, it measures a whopping 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters) and could accommodate a staggering 50,000 spectators.
From Gladiator Arena to Fortress and Quarry
The Colosseum has witnessed a tumultuous journey through time. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the arena fell into a state of neglect. In the 12th century, the Frangipane and Annibaldi families turned it into their stronghold, using it as a fortress. Later, in the late 15th century, Pope Alexander VI allowed the Colosseum to be stripped of its valuable materials, turning it into a quarry.
The Colosseum, once a symbol of Roman grandeur, was left to crumble for over a thousand years. Thankfully, the 1990s brought a glimmer of hope, with state-funded restoration efforts finally underway.
A Symbol of Imperial Ambition and Entertainment
The Colosseum was built in the wake of the tumultuous “Year of the Four Emperors” (69 CE), a period of intense political turmoil, as a way to revitalize Rome. Emperor Vespasian, known for his pragmatism, envisioned the Colosseum as a grand entertainment venue, hosting captivating gladiatorial contests, thrilling animal hunts, and even spectacular mock naval battles.
Construction began under Vespasian between 70 and 72 CE. The completed structure was dedicated in 80 CE by his son and successor, Titus. The Colosseum’s fourth story was later added by Emperor Domitian in 82 CE. It’s worth noting that the funds used to build this monumental structure came from the spoils of war, specifically from Titus’s conquest of Jerusalem in 70 CE. Furthermore, enslaved Jewish prisoners from Judea were forced to labor on its construction.
A Giant Leap in Architectural Innovation
Unlike previous amphitheaters, which were often carved into natural hillsides for added support, the Colosseum stands as a freestanding structure. Its design is a feat of engineering, utilizing a complex system of barrel and groin vaults. The structure’s exterior is adorned with three tiers of arcades, framed by engaged columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, a design that heavily influenced the Renaissance period. The Colosseum’s main framework and facade are made of travertine, while the secondary walls are constructed of volcanic tufa. The inner bowl and the arcade vaults are crafted from durable concrete.
Entertaining Thousands Under the Roman Sun
The Colosseum’s immense size allowed it to accommodate a massive crowd of 50,000 spectators. To shield them from the scorching Roman sun, a massive retractable awning, known as a velarium, was employed. This elaborate system involved supporting masts extending from corbels built into the Colosseum’s top story, and required hundreds of Roman sailors to manipulate the rigging that extended and retracted the awning.
The Colosseum became synonymous with thrilling spectacles, hosting gladiatorial combat, man-versus-beast contests, and even elaborate mock naval battles. While some speculate that the Colosseum was the site of early Christian martyrdoms, evidence for this claim remains unclear.
From Glory to Neglect and Revival
The Colosseum’s fate took a turn during the Middle Ages. It served as a church and then as a fortress for powerful Roman families like the Frangipane and the Annibaldi. Time, however, took its toll, leaving the structure vulnerable to damage from lightning strikes, earthquakes, and the ravages of time. The Colosseum’s marble seats and decorative materials were gradually pilfered, turning the once magnificent structure into a quarry.
The Colosseum’s decline continued for over a thousand years until the 19th century, when preservation efforts began in earnest. Pius VIII spearheaded significant preservation initiatives, and in the 1990s, a comprehensive restoration project was launched.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Today, the Colosseum remains a symbol of Roman power and ingenuity. As one of Rome’s most beloved tourist attractions, it attracts millions of visitors each year, eager to witness this architectural masterpiece and imagine the grandeur of its past. The Colosseum’s legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the brilliance of ancient Rome and the enduring power of human creativity.
