Standing tall as one of the few intact structures left from the Roman Empire, the Colosseum is a powerful monument to ancient Rome’s architectural and engineering skills. It’s not just a historical marvel but also a major source of income for Italy, attracting millions of tourists every year. In 2018 alone, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill generated over $63.3 million (€53.8 million), making it the highest-grossing tourist attraction in Italy.
This ancient wonder has witnessed a rollercoaster of events, from its glorious beginnings as a grand entertainment venue to periods of neglect and even destruction. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Colosseum fell into serious disrepair. The Frangipane and Annibaldi families, powerful figures in 12th-century Rome, used the arena as their fortress. In the late 15th century, Pope Alexander VI even allowed the Colosseum to be used as a quarry, stripping its precious materials for other projects. It was only after over a thousand years of neglect that state-funded restoration efforts began in the 1990s.
Built for Spectacle and Glory
The Colosseum’s construction was a bold statement of Roman power, a symbol of Rome’s resurgence after a chaotic year of multiple emperors in 69 CE. Emperor Vespasian, determined to revitalize Rome, envisioned the Colosseum as a grand entertainment venue. Like other amphitheaters, it was designed to host thrilling gladiatorial fights, wild animal hunts, and even spectacular mock naval battles, captivating the Roman populace.
Emperor Vespasian’s vision came to life between 70 and 72 CE, with the construction of the Colosseum. His son and successor, Titus, proudly dedicated the completed structure in 80 CE. Emperor Domitian continued the work by adding a fourth story in 82 CE. It is important to note that the Colosseum was funded by the spoils of war, the riches captured by Titus during the sack of Jerusalem in 70 CE. Unfortunately, Jewish slaves from Judaea were forced to labor in the construction of this grand arena.
A Majestic Architectural Triumph
The Colosseum is an impressive elliptical structure, built using stone, concrete, and volcanic tuff. Rising four stories high, it measures a massive 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters), capable of accommodating up to 50,000 spectators. This colossal amphitheater, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was famously used for gladiatorial combat, a brutal yet popular form of entertainment in ancient Rome.
The Colosseum stands as a testament to Roman ingenuity and architectural skill. Unlike earlier amphitheaters carved into hillsides, the Colosseum is a freestanding structure, built using a complex system of barrel and groin vaults. The exterior is adorned with three tiers of arcades, each framed by engaged columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles, a design that influenced Renaissance architecture. The main structure and facade are made of travertine, volcanic tufa forms the secondary walls, and the inner bowl and arcade vaults are constructed of concrete.
The Colosseum’s Thriving Days and Troubled Times
The Colosseum provided a spectacular experience for its audiences. A massive retractable awning, known as a velarium, protected spectators from the scorching sun. Supported by masts extending from the attic story, the velarium was manipulated by hundreds of Roman sailors. The arena hosted thousands of gladiatorial combats, contests between men and animals, and even mock naval battles. However, the evidence regarding the martyrdom of early Christians in the Colosseum remains uncertain.
After centuries of glory, the Colosseum’s fortunes changed. In medieval times, it was used as a church and later as a fortress by powerful Roman families. The structure was damaged by lightning, earthquakes, vandalism, and pollution, losing its marble seats and decorative materials. For over a thousand years, the Colosseum was treated as a quarry, its materials plundered for other purposes. The preservation of the Colosseum finally began in earnest in the 19th century, with significant efforts led by Pope Pius VIII. A major restoration project was undertaken in the 1990s.
A Timeless Symbol of Ancient Rome
Today, the Colosseum stands as one of Rome’s most celebrated tourist attractions, welcoming close to seven million visitors annually. Regularly changing exhibitions delve into the culture and history of ancient Rome, offering visitors a deeper understanding of this magnificent structure. The Colosseum continues to capture the imagination of the world, a powerful reminder of the glory and grandeur of ancient Rome.
