The Roman Coliseum
The Roman
Coliseum is an integral part of Italian History. Through its conception,
construction, management, and operation it has shown the many pillars of
Italian tradition, excellence, entertainment, and transition from past to
present. The structure that still stands today is forever a memory to distant
ties to another time as well as a vision of Italian grandeur.
The
construction of the Roman Coliseum, also known as the Flavian amphitheater, was
started by Emperor Vespasian in 69 AD. The construction lasted around ten years
and was inaugurated by Vespasian’s son, Titus in 80 AD. The Coliseum was
constructed by POW’s of the Jewish wars right in the center of Rome. It was the
largest elliptical amphitheater (shown in photo 2) ever built in the Roman
Empire spanning 617 feet long, 512 feet wide, and 158 feet high. The structure
could accommodate more than 55,000 spectators who could enter the building
through no less than 80 entrances.[1]
The Coliseum consisted of four stories (shown in photo 3), a base arena (shown
in photo 2), and a vast network of underground tunnels, rooms, and cages that
led to various entrances into the arena. The structure also featured a large
awning to protect spectators from the sun, known as the velarium, which took
over 1,000 men to install.[2]
It was connected to the top of
the Coliseum by poles and anchored the ground by large ropes.[3]
The exterior of the Coliseum showcased the awe inspiring use of Roman
Architecture. The use of cement as well as arches allowed a sturdiness that
made it possible to circle the entire stage without the need for hillside
support.[4]
The columns are different in each tier: from the bottom to the top, they
represent a classic progression from Doric to Iconic to Corinthian style (shown
in photo 1).[5] The
top of the Coliseum is a flat wall articulated with flat Corinthian pilasters.[6]
The Coliseum is an extraordinary example of Urban Roman architecture.
The
Coliseum was used for various activities during its lifetime. On its
inauguration day in 80 AD, a one hundred day games was held by Titus that
featured mock sea battles, executions, gladiator combat (shown in photo 4),
mock military battles, races, and various animal entertainment that included
hunts, rituals, and interspecies combat where over 9,000 animals were killed.
This inauguration gave way to hundreds of years of “games” held within the
Coliseum. Once people got a taste for the spectacle created by the Coliseum, the
games began to become a necessary part of Roman life. Emperor’s popularity
often depended on the type of games held during his reign. One of the most
powerful legacies the Coliseum left behind is that of the gladiator. Most
gladiators were POW’s, slaves, or criminals but if they won battles their
reputation could grow into that of an idol. Gladiators became a business for
the lanista, who bought, sold, rented,
and trained them.[7] During
some battles the fate of the gladiator depended on the crowd’s willingness for
him to live or die. It was ultimately up to the organizer or the sponsor of the
battle whether or not the gladiator was granted life or sentenced to death. However, if he chose death when the
crowd wanted life, his popularity would struggle, and if he chose life when the
crowd wanted death, he would be seen as weak or cheap. The Coliseum’s legacy
began to grow from a superior symbol of Roman architecture to symbol of power
and glory within the roman world.
Time and Mother
Nature have not been kind to the Coliseum. Due to fires, earthquakes, and
natural weathering the modern day Coliseum is but a mere shadow of its former
glory. The horrific and often gruesome battles of old are a distant memory in
the structures history. Somewhere between 400-600 AD, the battles stopped and
the Coliseum was used for much less exciting spectacles. It was used for
political gatherings, religious purposes (they even used the arena for a
graveyard), political housing, and more. Due to its historical, architectural,
and gruesome past the Coliseum is one of the most visited structures in Italy
today.
The
Coliseum is more than just a building. It’s more than just a feat of
engineering and more than just a historical landmark. It’s a symbol of Roman
Italian Identity. It creates a presence of life that is multi-generational. It
spans through time as a masterpiece of character; a unique singularity within
the Italian borders.
Bibliography
Alchin, Linda. “Roman Colosseum.” Roman
Empire & Colosseum. Accessed November 17, 2012.
URL.
A
View on Cities. "Colosseum (Colosseo)." Sights & Attractions in
Some of the World’s Greatest Attractions.
Accessed November 17, 2012. URL.
Great Buildings. “Roman Colosseum.” The Architecture Week:
Great Buildings Collection. Accessed
November 17, 2012. URL.
Italy Guides. “The Roman Coliseum.” ROME. Accessed November
17, 2012. URL.
Ott, Serena. In Italian Culture
and Society edited and written by Serena Ott. Columbia College.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Serena Ott, In Italian
Culture and Society edited and written by Serena Ott, Columbia College, 120.
[5] Ibid, 122.
[6] Ibid, 122.
[7] Ibid, 126.
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