The Colosseum stands today as a testament to the architectural brilliance of ancient Rome, a relic from a bygone era. It’s not only a breathtaking spectacle but also a significant economic force for the Italian government. In 2018 alone, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill raked in over $63.3 million (€53.8 million), making it Italy’s top tourist attraction. This ancient marvel continues to captivate visitors from around the globe, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.
From Arena to Quarry and Back
The Colosseum’s journey has been fraught with both glory and neglect. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the once-grand arena fell into disrepair. For centuries, it was repurposed, with the Frangipane and Annibaldi families using it as a fortress during the 12th century. The Colosseum’s decline reached a nadir in the late 15th century when Pope Alexander VI permitted its use as a quarry, stripping away its magnificent marble. This period of neglect, lasting over a thousand years, left the Colosseum scarred and weakened. Thankfully, state-funded restoration efforts began in the 1990s, breathing life back into this ancient giant.
A Monument of Imperial Power
The Colosseum’s construction began under the reign of Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 CE, as part of a grand imperial effort to revitalize Rome after the tumultuous year of the four emperors. Vespasian, much like other emperors before him, envisioned the Colosseum as a center of entertainment, hosting gladiatorial combats, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles. This colossal project was fueled by the spoils of war, specifically, the plunder from Titus’s sack of Jerusalem in 70 CE. Sadly, this grand endeavor involved the use of enslaved Jews from Judaea.
A Monument to Engineering Prowess
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an elliptical marvel built from stone, concrete, and tuff. This awe-inspiring structure rises four stories high, measuring 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters) and boasting the capacity to accommodate up to 50,000 spectators. Its fame stems from its use as an arena for gladiatorial combat, a spectacle that captivated ancient Romans.
A Symbol of Imperial Ambition
The Colosseum’s location was as strategic as it was symbolic. It was built just east of the Palatine Hill, replacing the artificial lake that was the centerpiece of Nero’s Golden House. This choice reflected Vespasian’s ambition to replace the tyrannical emperor’s extravagant private space with a public arena that would unite Romans under a shared experience. Vespasian, whose rise to power was far from lavish, chose to transform a symbol of imperial excess into a monument of public entertainment.
A Masterpiece of Roman Architecture
The Colosseum’s construction is a testament to Roman engineering ingenuity. Unlike earlier amphitheaters, which relied on hillsides for support, the Colosseum stands tall and proud, a freestanding structure of stone and concrete. It’s a testament to the masterful use of barrel vaults and groin vaults, creating a structure that measures 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters) in its entirety. The Colosseum’s facade features three stories adorned with arcades framed by engaged columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, a stylistic masterpiece that influenced the Renaissance codification of architectural orders.
A Spectacular Venue for Entertainment
The Colosseum wasn’t just about the structure; it was about the experience. It accommodated 50,000 spectators, who were shielded from the sun by a massive retractable velarium (awning). Hundreds of Roman sailors would manipulate the rigging to extend and retract the velarium, providing shade for the masses. The Colosseum was the epicenter of Roman entertainment, hosting gladiatorial combats, animal hunts, and even mock naval engagements. While it’s uncertain if the arena was the site of early Christian martyrdoms, the Colosseum’s role as a center of public spectacle is undeniable.
From Ruins to Renaissance
After centuries of neglect, the Colosseum’s fate took a turn. In medieval times, it was used as a church, then as a fortress by the Frangipane and Annibaldi families. However, the ravages of time, including lightning strikes, earthquakes, vandalism, and pollution, took their toll. The Colosseum’s marble seats and decorative materials were stripped away, transforming it into a quarry for over 1,000 years. Fortunately, preservation efforts began in the 19th century, led by Pius VIII, with a full-fledged restoration project undertaken in the 1990s.
A Living Legacy
Today, the Colosseum stands as a powerful symbol of Rome’s enduring legacy. It continues to attract millions of visitors annually, drawing them to its historical significance and architectural grandeur. The Colosseum hosts changing exhibitions related to ancient Roman culture, ensuring its story continues to resonate with new generations. As a lasting testament to Roman ingenuity and a testament to the enduring power of history, the Colosseum remains a symbol of resilience and beauty, captivating visitors from around the world and inviting them to step back in time.