The Colosseum, a towering testament to the Roman Empire’s architectural and engineering brilliance, stands today as one of the few mostly intact structures from that era. Its significance extends beyond its awe-inspiring presence, as it plays a crucial role in driving tourism revenue for the Italian government. In 2018 alone, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill collectively generated over $63.3 million (€53.8 million), making it Italy’s top tourist attraction.
The Colosseum’s journey has been marked by both grandeur and neglect. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it fell into disrepair. The 12th century saw the Frangipane and Annibaldi families transforming the arena into their fortress. The late 15th century witnessed a further decline when Pope Alexander VI authorized the Colosseum’s use as a quarry. After over a thousand years of neglect, state-funded restoration efforts finally commenced in the 1990s, breathing new life into this ancient monument.
A Monument to Entertainment and Imperial Power
The Colosseum’s construction stemmed from a strategic imperial initiative to revive Rome following the tumultuous year of the four emperors (69 CE). Similar to other amphitheaters, Emperor Vespasian envisioned the Colosseum as a hub for entertainment, hosting thrilling gladiator fights, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles.
Construction began under Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 CE. The completed structure was dedicated in 80 CE by his son and successor, Titus. The Colosseum’s fourth story was added by Emperor Domitian in 82 CE. It’s worth noting that the arena was financed with spoils from Titus’s capture of Jerusalem in 70 CE and was built by Jewish slaves from Judaea.
A Masterpiece of Roman Architecture
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an elliptical marvel crafted from stone, concrete, and tuff. Rising to four stories, it measures a staggering 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters) and could accommodate an impressive crowd of 50,000 spectators. The Colosseum was renowned for its gladiatorial combats, showcasing the raw spectacle of ancient Rome.
The Colosseum’s construction was a feat of engineering, showcasing the Romans’ mastery of materials and design. It was built on the site of Nero’s Golden House, replacing the artificial lake with a public amphitheater. Unlike earlier amphitheaters, the Colosseum was a freestanding structure, built with a complex system of barrel and groin vaults. Its exterior features three stories adorned with arcades and engaged columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, a design that influenced Renaissance architecture. Travertine stone forms the main structural framework and facade, while volcanic tufa comprises the secondary walls, and concrete constitutes the inner bowl and arcade vaults.
A Venue for Spectacle and a Source of Controversy
The Colosseum boasted a retractable velarium, a massive awning that shielded spectators from the sun. Supported by masts extending from corbels built into the Colosseum’s top story, the velarium required hundreds of Roman sailors to manipulate its intricate rigging. This grand amphitheater witnessed countless gladiatorial combats, contests between humans and animals, and even mock naval engagements. However, the authenticity of claims about the Colosseum’s role in the martyrdom of early Christians remains uncertain.
From Glory to Neglect and Back
Throughout the Middle Ages, the Colosseum served as a church and later as a fortress for prominent Roman families like the Frangipane and Annibaldi. It suffered damage from lightning, earthquakes, vandalism, and pollution, leading to the disappearance of marble seats and decorative materials. For over a millennium, the site was treated as a quarry, stripped of its adornments. Fortunately, preservation efforts began in earnest during the 19th century, with notable contributions from Pius VIII. A comprehensive restoration project launched in the 1990s brought the Colosseum back to life.
Today, the Colosseum remains one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, welcoming millions of visitors annually. Regularly rotating exhibitions delve into the culture of ancient Rome, ensuring the Colosseum’s legacy continues to captivate and educate generations to come. This monumental structure, a symbol of ancient Rome’s power and ingenuity, endures as a timeless reminder of the grandeur of the past.