The Colosseum, one of the few mostly intact structures from the Roman Empire, stands today as a powerful symbol of ancient Rome’s incredible architectural and engineering skills. Beyond its historical significance, the Colosseum is a major moneymaker for the Italian government. In 2018, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, combined, brought in over $63.3 million (€53.8 million), making it the highest-grossing tourist attraction in Italy. This ancient wonder continues to fascinate visitors from all over the world, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of Roman grandeur.
The Colosseum’s journey through time has been a rollercoaster ride of glory, neglect, and restoration. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Colosseum fell into a state of serious disrepair. During the 12th century, the powerful Frangipane and Annibaldi families transformed the arena into their fortress. Later, in the late 15th century, Pope Alexander VI gave permission to use the Colosseum as a quarry, stripping it of its precious materials. Sadly, for over a thousand years, this majestic structure was neglected. However, in the 1990s, state-funded restoration efforts began to breathe new life into the Colosseum, ensuring its survival for future generations.
A Monument to Roman Power
The Colosseum’s origins are intertwined with the dramatic events of 69 CE, known as the “Year of the Four Emperors.” The Roman emperor Vespasian, determined to revitalize Rome after this tumultuous period, ordered the construction of the Colosseum as a grand entertainment venue. Like other amphitheaters, the Colosseum was designed to host a variety of spectacles including gladiator fights, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles, offering thrilling entertainment for the Roman masses.
Construction of the Colosseum began under the reign of Emperor Vespasian, between 70 and 72 CE. The completed structure was formally dedicated in 80 CE by Vespasian’s son and successor, Titus. The Colosseum’s fourth story was added by Emperor Domitian in 82 CE. Interestingly, the funds used to build this magnificent structure came from the spoils of war, plundered from Titus’s conquest of Jerusalem in 70 CE. The Colosseum was built by enslaved Jews from Judaea, a grim reminder of the Roman Empire’s brutal power.
A Colossal Masterpiece of Architecture
The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheater, built in Rome under the Flavian emperors. It’s also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, a testament to its creators. This impressive structure stands four stories tall at its highest point, measuring 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters), and could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators. The Colosseum was famed for its gladiatorial combats, where skilled warriors battled for glory and survival, captivating the Roman public.
Located east of the Palatine Hill, on the grounds of Nero’s Golden House, the Colosseum replaced the artificial lake that was the centerpiece of the palace complex. This deliberate decision was as much a symbol of Vespasian’s rejection of Nero’s extravagance as it was a practical one. Vespasian, who rose to power from humble beginnings, replaced Nero’s private lake with a public amphitheater, showcasing his dedication to the Roman people. The Colosseum, a testament to his ambition and vision, became a symbol of public entertainment and Roman power.
A Spectacle of Ancient Roman Life
The Colosseum was officially dedicated in 80 CE by Titus with a grand ceremony that included 100 days of games, showcasing the Roman people’s love for entertainment. Later, in 82 CE, Domitian completed the structure by adding the topmost story. Unlike earlier amphitheaters, which were often built into hillsides for extra support, the Colosseum is a freestanding marvel of stone and concrete, utilizing a complex system of barrel vaults and groin vaults. The Colosseum’s design was a technological feat for its time.
Three of the arena’s stories are adorned with arcades, framed by engaged columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, showcasing the Roman’s mastery of architectural styles. The Colosseum’s unique arrangement of columns later inspired the Renaissance’s “assemblage of orders,” a testament to its enduring influence. The Colosseum was built with travertine, a durable stone, for its main structural framework and facade, while volcanic tufa, a lighter stone, was used for the secondary walls. The inner bowl and the arcade vaults were constructed with concrete, a testament to Roman innovation.
An Iconic Symbol of Ancient Rome
The Colosseum was designed to provide a comfortable experience for its massive audience. The structure housed 50,000 spectators, protected from the sun by a massive retractable awning called a velarium. Supporting masts extended from corbels built into the Colosseum’s top story, and hundreds of Roman sailors were needed to manipulate the rigging, extending and retracting the awning with impressive precision.
The Colosseum witnessed countless spectacles of ancient Roman life. It was the scene of thousands of gladiator fights, where skilled warriors clashed in deadly combat, captivating the crowds. The Colosseum also hosted contests between men and animals, showcasing the Romans’ fascination with the natural world, and even mock naval engagements, showcasing their mastery of water warfare. Although there is no concrete evidence, the Colosseum is often associated with the martyrdom of early Christians, adding a layer of historical intrigue to its already rich legacy.
The Colosseum’s Enduring Legacy
In medieval times, the Colosseum underwent a transformation. It was used as a church, highlighting the continuity of faith through time. Later, it became a fortress for the powerful Frangipane and Annibaldi families, reflecting the shifting power dynamics of Rome. The Colosseum faced numerous challenges throughout its long history, enduring damage from lightning, earthquakes, vandalism, and pollution. Sadly, the Colosseum’s marble seats and decorative materials were stripped away, as it was used as a quarry for over a thousand years.
The preservation of the Colosseum began in earnest in the 19th century, with notable efforts led by Pope Pius VIII. In the 1990s, a major restoration project was undertaken to revitalize this historic monument. Today, the Colosseum stands as one of Rome’s major tourist attractions, drawing millions of visitors from around the world each year. The Colosseum is a timeless symbol of ancient Rome’s architectural prowess, engineering innovation, and cultural vibrancy. It continues to inspire awe and wonder in visitors from all over the world, reminding us of the enduring power of human creativity and the grandeur of the Roman Empire.