Standing as one of the few nearly complete structures from the Roman Empire, the Colosseum serves as a powerful testament to the architectural and engineering brilliance of ancient Rome. This iconic monument not only draws visitors from around the world but also contributes significantly to the Italian government’s tourism revenue. In 2018, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill collectively generated over €53.8 million, making them Italy’s most profitable tourist attraction.
The Colosseum’s journey has been marked by both grandeur and decay. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the once-majestic arena fell into disrepair. During the 12th century, the Frangipane and Annibaldi families repurposed the structure as their fortress, a stark contrast to its original use. The Colosseum’s fate took a turn for the worse in the late 15th century when Pope Alexander VI permitted its use as a quarry. After more than a thousand years of neglect, the Italian government initiated restoration efforts in the 1990s, breathing new life into this ancient marvel.
A Legacy of Entertainment and Power
The Colosseum’s construction was a grand endeavor driven by the desire to revitalize Rome following the turbulent year of the Four Emperors in 69 CE. Like other amphitheaters, Emperor Vespasian envisioned the Colosseum as a hub for entertainment, hosting gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and even elaborate mock naval battles.
Construction began under Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 CE. His son and successor, Titus, dedicated the completed structure in 80 CE. Emperor Domitian added the Colosseum’s fourth story in 82 CE. It’s noteworthy that the Colosseum’s construction was financed with spoils from Titus’s conquest of Jerusalem in 70 CE, and enslaved Jews from Judea were forced to build it.
A Symphony of Stone and Concrete
The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheater constructed in Rome during the reign of the Flavian emperors. Known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, this imposing structure boasts four stories, reaching a remarkable height. Built with stone, concrete, and tuff, it measures an astounding 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters) and could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators. The Colosseum was renowned for its gladiatorial combats, which captivated audiences and cemented its place in history.
Situated east of the Palatine Hill, on the grounds of Nero’s Golden House, the Colosseum stands as a symbol of transformation. The artificial lake that once graced Nero’s opulent palace was drained, making way for the construction of the amphitheater. This strategic decision was as much symbolic as it was practical. Vespasian, whose rise to power was far from glamorous, chose to replace the tyrannical emperor’s private lake with a public arena that could entertain tens of thousands of Romans.
Engineering Marvels and Grand Spectacles
The Colosseum’s official dedication in 80 CE under Titus was marked by 100 days of games, a testament to its grandeur. Domitian completed the structure’s uppermost story in 82 CE. Unlike earlier amphitheaters, which were often built into hillsides for stability, the Colosseum is a freestanding marvel of stone and concrete. Its construction relied on a complex system of barrel vaults and groin vaults, showcasing the Roman Empire’s engineering prowess.
The Colosseum boasts three tiers adorned with arcades, framed by engaged columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders. This unique architectural design inspired the Renaissance codification known as the assemblage of orders. The main structural framework and facade are made of travertine, while volcanic tufa comprises the secondary walls. Concrete forms the inner bowl and arcade vaults, underscoring the Romans’ mastery of construction materials.
A Theater of Blood and Spectacle
The Colosseum could seat an impressive 50,000 spectators, who sought refuge from the sun under a massive retractable awning known as a velarium. Supporting masts extended from corbels built into the Colosseum’s top story, and skilled Roman sailors expertly manipulated the rigging that raised and lowered the velarium. The Colosseum witnessed countless gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles, captivating the Roman public with its spectacle and drama. However, it’s uncertain whether the arena was the site of the martyrdom of early Christians.
A Legacy of Decay and Restoration
During the Middle Ages, the Colosseum underwent a series of transformations, serving as a church and later as a fortress for prominent Roman families, the Frangipane and the Annibaldi. Over time, lightning strikes, earthquakes, vandalism, and pollution took their toll on the once-majestic structure. The Colosseum’s marble seats and decorative elements were stripped away, turning it into a quarry for over a thousand years.
Preservation efforts for the Colosseum began in earnest in the 19th century, with notable contributions from Pius VIII. In the 1990s, a comprehensive restoration project breathed new life into the ancient landmark. Today, the Colosseum stands as one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, welcoming close to seven million visitors annually. Regular exhibitions showcasing the culture of ancient Rome further enrich the visitor experience, ensuring that the Colosseum continues to captivate audiences with its enduring legacy.