The Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance and engineering prowess of Ancient Rome. Not only is it a captivating piece of history, but it also attracts millions of tourists each year, making it a major source of revenue for Italy. In fact, in 2018, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill collectively generated over $63.3 million (€53.8 million), making it the top tourist attraction in the entire country.
From Glory to Neglect and Restoration
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Colosseum fell into a state of severe disrepair. For centuries, it was repurposed and neglected. During the 12th century, prominent Roman families, the Frangipane and Annibaldi, used it as a fortress. In the late 15th century, Pope Alexander VI allowed the Colosseum to be used as a quarry, stripping it of its valuable materials. This period of neglect lasted for over a thousand years until, in the 1990s, state-funded restoration efforts finally began to bring this monumental structure back to life.
A Monument Built for Entertainment and Power
The Colosseum was built during a time of political upheaval and imperial ambition. It was conceived as a grand gesture by the emperor Vespasian to revitalize Rome following the turbulent “Year of the Four Emperors” in 69 CE. As was customary with other amphitheaters of the time, Vespasian intended the Colosseum to be a lavish entertainment venue for the masses. It was designed to host spectacular events, such as gladiatorial combat, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles.
A Monument of Power and Prestige
Construction of the Colosseum began under the emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 CE. His son and successor, Titus, dedicated the completed structure in 80 CE. The Colosseum’s fourth story was added by the emperor Domitian in 82 CE. It’s worth noting that the funding for this grand project came from the plunder taken during Titus’s conquest of Jerusalem in 70 CE. The Colosseum was built by enslaved Jews from Judea, a stark reminder of the Roman Empire’s military power and the consequences of its conquests.
A Giant of Stone and Concrete
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, is an elliptical structure made of stone, concrete, and tuff. It stands four stories tall at its highest point, measuring an impressive 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters). This enormous structure could hold as many as 50,000 spectators, making it the largest amphitheater ever built in the Roman Empire. The Colosseum was famously used for gladiatorial combat, and its name is synonymous with this brutal form of entertainment.
A Symbol of Imperial Power
The Colosseum was built on the site of Nero’s Golden House, a vast palace complex that was a symbol of Nero’s tyranny. Vespasian, whose rise to power was far less extravagant, chose to replace the tyrannical emperor’s private lake with a public amphitheater that could host tens of thousands of Romans. This act was as much a symbolic gesture of power as it was a practical decision. The Colosseum became a powerful symbol of the Flavian emperors’ ambition and their commitment to the Roman people.
A Masterpiece of Roman Architecture
Unlike earlier amphitheaters, which were often carved into hillsides for support, the Colosseum is a freestanding structure. It’s a masterpiece of Roman engineering, built using a complex system of barrel vaults and groin vaults. The exterior of the Colosseum is adorned with three levels of arcades framed by engaged columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders. This rising arrangement of columns became a foundational element of Renaissance architecture, known as the assemblage of orders. The main structural framework and facade are made of travertine, the secondary walls are volcanic tufa, and the inner bowl and arcade vaults are concrete.
A Stage for Spectacular Events
The Colosseum was designed to accommodate a vast audience and protect them from the elements. It featured a massive retractable awning called a velarium, which was supported by masts extending from the top story. Hundreds of Roman sailors were needed to manipulate the rigging that extended and retracted the velarium, providing shade for the spectators. The Colosseum witnessed thousands of gladiatorial combats, contests between men and animals, and even mock naval engagements. However, it is uncertain whether the Colosseum was actually the site of the martyrdom of early Christians, as some have claimed.
From Glory to Neglect and Back Again
In medieval times, the Colosseum was repurposed as a church, then as a fortress by two prominent Roman families. Over the centuries, it suffered damage from lightning, earthquakes, vandalism, and pollution. All of the marble seats and decorative materials were removed, leaving the Colosseum as a quarry for over a thousand years. In the 19th century, preservation efforts began in earnest, with notable contributions from Pope Pius VIII. A major restoration project was undertaken in the 1990s, bringing the Colosseum back to its former glory. Today, it remains one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, attracting close to seven million visitors annually. Regularly changing exhibitions exploring the culture of ancient Rome add to the Colosseum’s allure, making it a living museum of history and a testament to the enduring power of Roman ingenuity.
