The Colosseum, a monumental structure that stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Roman Empire, continues to captivate visitors from around the world. It’s not just a breathtaking sight, but also a significant source of income for the Italian government. In 2018, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill collectively generated over $63.3 million (€53.8 million), making it Italy’s most lucrative tourist attraction.
This incredible monument, however, has seen its share of hardship. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Colosseum fell into disrepair. During the 12th century, it was repurposed as a fortress by the Frangipane and Annibaldi families. The 15th century saw Pope Alexander VI authorize its use as a quarry. It wasn’t until the 1990s, after over a thousand years of neglect, that state-funded restoration efforts began to breathe life back into this iconic structure.
The Colosseum’s Rise: A Monument to Imperial Power
The Colosseum’s construction was a grand project, born from the desire to revitalize Rome after the tumultuous year of the four emperors in 69 CE. Emperor Vespasian, like other emperors before him, envisioned the Colosseum as a grand entertainment venue, a place where gladiatorial battles, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles could take place.
Construction began under Vespasian’s reign between 70 and 72 CE. The completed structure was dedicated in 80 CE by his son and successor, Titus. Domitian, the next emperor in line, added the Colosseum’s fourth story in 82 CE. It is noteworthy that the funds for the arena were derived from the spoils of war, specifically, the plunder from Titus’s conquest of Jerusalem in 70 CE. Sadly, the construction involved the labor of enslaved Jewish people from Judaea.
A Monument of Engineering Marvel and Brutality
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an elliptical structure built with stone, concrete, and tuff. It stands four stories tall, measuring 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters). The Colosseum could accommodate an astounding 50,000 spectators, making it a spectacle of immense scale. This colossal structure was infamously utilized for gladiatorial combat, a practice that represented both the brutality and the entertainment of Roman society.
Situated east of the Palatine Hill, the Colosseum was built on the grounds of Nero’s Golden House. Vespasian’s decision to replace Nero’s extravagant private lake with a public amphitheater was both practical and symbolic. It was a powerful statement about the shift from a tyrannical emperor’s indulgence to a public space for the people.
The Colosseum’s Construction: A Symphony of Engineering and Art
The Colosseum’s construction was an exceptional feat of engineering. Unlike earlier amphitheaters, which were often built into hillsides for support, the Colosseum stands as a freestanding structure of stone and concrete. It relies on a sophisticated system of barrel vaults and groin vaults, which contribute to its imposing presence. The exterior features three stories of arcades, framed by engaged columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, a design that later inspired the Renaissance era’s architectural codification of the assemblage of orders. The main structure and facade are crafted from travertine, while the secondary walls are made of volcanic tufa. The inner bowl and arcade vaults are constructed of concrete, demonstrating the Romans’ mastery of building materials.
The Colosseum’s capacity to seat 50,000 spectators was further enhanced by a remarkable feature: a massive retractable awning known as a velarium. Supported by masts extending from corbels built into the attic story, this awning required hundreds of Roman sailors to operate its complex rigging. The velarium shielded spectators from the sun, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience for the gladiatorial combats, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles that were held within the arena.
A Legacy of History and Restoration
The Colosseum’s history extends beyond its glorious beginnings. During medieval times, it was used as a church and later as a fortress by powerful Roman families, the Frangipane and the Annibaldi. The passage of time, however, took its toll. Lightning strikes, earthquakes, vandalism, and pollution inflicted significant damage. The once-beautiful marble seats and decorative elements were stripped away, leaving the Colosseum in a state of near-ruin for over a thousand years. Fortunately, preservation efforts began in the 19th century, with notable contributions from Pius VIII. The 1990s saw a comprehensive restoration project, breathing new life into this historical treasure.
Today, the Colosseum stands as one of Rome’s most iconic tourist attractions, welcoming close to seven million visitors annually. Regular exhibitions showcasing ancient Roman culture further enrich the experience, offering visitors a glimpse into the vibrant past that this monument encapsulates. The Colosseum remains a powerful reminder of the Roman Empire’s might, a symbol of architectural ingenuity, and a testament to the enduring allure of history.
