COLOSSEUM
The Colosseum, or the Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium, Italian Anfiteatro Flavio or Colosseo), is an elliptical amphitheater in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.
Occupying a site just east of the Roman Forum, its construction started in 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign (81–96). The name "Amphitheatrum Flavium" derives from both Vespasian's and Titus's family name (Flavius, from the gens Flavia).
Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.
Although in the 21st century it stays partially ruined because of damage caused by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions and still has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit "Way of the Cross" procession that starts in the area around the Colosseum.
The Colosseum is also depicted on the Italian version of the five-cent euro coin.
History of the Colosseum - Facts and
Information
The content of this article provides interesting facts and
information relating to the History of the Colosseum. Our perception is perhaps
that gladiatorial combat started with the Colosseum which able to stage
elaborate and organized combats between hundreds of gladiators using various
fighting styles. This perception is incorrect. Gladiatorial games started in
Rome over 300 years before the Colosseum was built. The Colosseum did not exist
during the lives of many of the most famous Romans such as the dictator Julius
Caesar and Mark Antony. Neither had the Colosseum been built during the reigns
of emperors such as Augustus, Tiberius, Nero, Caligula or Claudius. We have to
look back before the Roman Colosseum was actually built to gain an insight into
the history of the Colosseum and why the terrifying Arena of Death was ever
built. The scale of the Gladiatorial Games increased from just a small number
of participants to the massive numbers of gladiators seen in the spectacles of
Roman Colosseum watched by up to 80,000 people. The History of the Colosseum.
History of
the Colosseum - The First Gladiatorial Fight
The History of the Colosseum began in Rome when the first
recorded gladiatorial fight was staged in 264AD. Decimus Junius Brutus Scaeva
put on a gladiatorial combat to honor the memory of his deceased father who was
a consul named D. Junius Brutus Pera. Three pairs of slaves, selected from
among 22 prisoners of war, were chosen to fight. The first gladiatorial fight
took place in the Forum Boarium, a cattle market, situated near the Tiber
between the Capitoline, the Palatine and Aventine hills. As this was the
funeral of a prominent aristocrat and held in a public space, the event was
likely to have drawn a large crowd. This first Gladiatorial combat was a clever
idea as it also brought political prestige to their family¹s name. So the
history of gladiatorial combat and therefore the Colosseum is related to a
funeral. The History of the Colosseum.
History of
the Colosseum - The Roman Funeral
Why does the History of the Colosseum and gladiatorial
combat relate to the Roman funeral, what was the connection? The religion of
the Romans revolved around the worship of various gods and goddesses and their
belief in the afterlife. Romans believed that human sacrifice at the dead
person's funeral would appease the pagan gods and ensure a satisfactory
entrance into the afterlife. Earlier customs of sacrificing prisoners on the
graves of warriors or aristocrats were followed by Romans. Ceremonies connected
with the dead lasted for nine days after the funeral, at the end of which time
a sacrifice was performed. The Romans believed that "souls of the dead
were propitiated by human blood..." Preparation for Roman funeral rites
involved captives or slaves being bought, trained to kill and then sacrificed
during the funeral rituals. This funereal ritual, or sacrificial ceremony, was
called a munus - a duty paid to a dead ancestor by his descendants, with the
intention of keeping alive his memory. At these ceremonies slaves or servants
attended the funeral dressed as Pluto or Charon who were the gods of the dead.
The god Charon ferried the dead across the Styx and an attendant, playing the
role of Charon, symbolically carried away the bodies of the dead gladiators
during the religious ceremonies. This symbolism was transferred to the Roman
Colosseum when dead gladiators were escorted by a figure depicting Charon from
the arena. The History of the Colosseum.
Origin and
History of the Colosseum - The Rise of the Gladiator Games
The first gladiator fight was so successful that Roman
aristocrats soon copied the idea. These funeral games, or munera, were held
annually or every five years for the purpose of keeping the dead person's
memory alive. The events grew bigger and more elaborate and at the funeral of
P. Licinius Crassus, who had been Pontifex Maximus one hundred and twenty
gladiators fought and funeral games were celebrated for three days; at the end
of which a public banquet was given in the forum. Prominent Roman families
competed against each other to produce the best games. What had started with
Decimus Junius Brutus Scaeva organising three matches as funeral games
transformed into public performances. Those organized by Julius Caesar, on the
death of his daughter Julia, featured 320 paired gladiator matches. The History
of the Colosseum.
Origin,
History of the Wooden Arenas and the Concept of the Colosseum
The history and concept of the Colosseum grew from the
custom of funeral games. The funeral games were organized as public events by
wealthy Roman aristocrats and Patricians. The Gladiator games were popular with
the 'mob'. At first gladiator games, or combats, were held in small wooden
arenas. The word “arena” means sand, a reference to the thick layer of sand on the
floor for the purpose of soaking up the blood. But as the popularity of the
games grew large amphitheatres were built to house the games. The amphitheatres
were round or oval in shape. Their design was taken from joining two half
circle wooden theatres together (the word "amphi" means 'both
sides').
History of the First Stone
Amphitheatre in Rome
The most important amphitheatre, prior to the Colosseum, was
the first stone built amphitheatre in Rome which was called the Amphitheater of
Statilius Taurus. It was built in 29 BC, on the Campus Martius, by Consul Titus
Statilius Taurus in the time of the Emperor Augustus. This amphitheatre was
quite small and in order to placate the plebs the Emperor Nero built a much
bigger, wooden, amphitheatre called the Amphitheatrum Neronis in 57AD. Both of
these amphitheatres were completely destroyed in 64AD due to the Great Fire of
Rome.
Origin and History of the Colosseum -
From Religious to Political Events
Initially the provision of Gladiatorial Games was seen as a
method to please the Roman gods and avert Rome from disaster. The Romans who
were responsible for staging such events grew in popularity, so the 'games'
became political events by which prominent Romans could gain popularity with
the mob. By the first century A.D. providing gladiatorial games even became a
requirement of some public offices. It was not long before the concept of a
permanent stone arena was born which would become known as the Colosseum. The
History of the Colosseum.
History of the Colosseum - Vespasian
and the Flavian Amphitheatre (the Colosseum)
The terrible reign of the Emperor Nero and the burning of
Rome led to Civil War. The turmoil ended when Vespasian became emperor.
Vespasian founded the Flavian dynasty, so called because all of the Emperors of
the Flavian dynasty bore the name Flavius. After the death of Nero morale and
the confidence of Roman citizens was at an all time low. Vespasian had to get
support back from the people. His idea was to demolish the palace of Nero and
construct a permanent arena designed as a massive amphitheatre for housing free
gladiator games and other entertainment for the amusement of the 'mob', the
Plebs. The palace of Nero was called the Domus Aurea (Latin for "Golden
House") and was a large landscaped portico villa. The construction of the
'Flavian Amphitheatre' started in c70AD.
History of the Colosseum - The Flavian Amphitheatre is
Called the Colosseum
The Colosseum was originally called the the Flavian
Amphitheatre. The original name of the Flavian Amphitheatre was given due to it
being built by Titus Flavius Vespasianus (Emperor Vespasian) who founded the
Flavian dynasty. It was soon given the name Colosseum which was taken from the
Latin word 'colosseus' meaning colossal. This was in reference to the gigantic
statue of the Emperor Nero which had been previously erected near the site of
the Colosseum. This statue of Nero, believed to have been cast in bronze,
measured 100 to 120 Roman feet (37m) high and had become a landmark in the
centre of the city of Rome. The History of the Colosseum.
History of the Colosseum - The
Construction of the Colosseum
The Colosseum would become a symbol of the might, the wealth
and the power of the Roman Empire. Construction started in c70AD and was
financed from the proceeds gained from the Roman sacking of Jerusalem. The
successful campaign against Judea was ordered by Vespasian and led by his son,
Titus. The Colosseum took less than 10 years to build, a remarkable achievement
for the excellent engineers and their famous engineering skills. The
architecture of the Roman Colosseum illustrates their use of one of the Romans
most famous inventions - concrete. The Emperor Vespasian died on 23 June 79 and
never saw the completed Colosseum. In A.D. 81 Emperor Titus dedicated the
Colosseum in the city of Rome. The History of the Colosseum.
History of the Colosseum and the Roman Emperors
Many Roman Emperors enjoyed the spectacles that the
Colosseum had to offer and many of the gladiatorial games were financed by the
emperors themselves. The history of the bloody arena continues through the
reigns of various emperors, the emergence of the new Christian religion, the
horror stories of the deaths of Christian martyrs in the Colosseum, the
Gladiator fights and the killing of thousands of exotic animals in Ancient
Rome. There was even an Emperor who took great delight in participating in the
gladiator games held at the Colosseum - the Emperor Commodus. Commodus was the
Emperor featured in the Russell Crowe movie Gladiator. The Roman Emperors and
the Colosseum played a huge part in the history of the Persecution of the
Christians.
History of the Colosseum - Telemachus and the End of the
Gladiatorial Games
The Gladiatorial games at the Colosseum ended during the
reign of the Emperor Honorius. Stilicho
had defeated the Goths at Verona in June 403, it was the last Roman victory,
and it was celebrated by the last Roman triumph followed by Gladiatorial games
in the Colosseum. In the midst of the bloodshed a voice was heard bidding it to
cease in the name of Christ, and between the swords there was seen standing a
monk holding up his hand and keeping back the blows. There was a shout of rage,
and he was stoned to death by the outraged 'mob' and killed. It was found that he was an Egyptian monk
named Telemachus. The death of Telemachus put an to gladiator combats. Chariot
races and games went on but the terrible sports of death and blood were ended
for ever. The last known gladiatorial fight in the Roman Colosseum therefore
took place during the reign of Honorius. The Emperor Honorius, finally decreed
the end of gladiatorial contests in 399 AD. The last known gladiator
competition in the city of Rome occurred on January 1, 404 AD. The Sack of Rome
occurred on August 24, 410 when the city was attacked by the Visigoths, led by
Alaric I. The Roman capital had already been moved to the Italian city of
Ravenna by Honorius, after the Visigoths entered Italy. The Visigoths destroyed
many of the aqueducts leading to Rome. Without a fresh supply of water the city
could no longer function. The Romans fled from the city - the glory days of
Rome were finished. The History of the Colosseum.
Modern History of the Colosseum
The History of the Colosseum moves on to the amphitheatre
falling into decline. The outer walls were stripped of marble and even the iron
cramps were removed and used to make weapons (the holes left in the Colosseum
can be seen today). The Colosseum had various uses from housing vagrants to
providing shelter to animals. Uses included housing, workshops, quarters for a
religious order, a fortress, a quarry and as a Christian shrine. Today the
glory days of the Colosseum have returned - the number of visitors and tourists
to the Colosseum is estimated at over 5 million per year, all interested in the
terrifying history of the Colosseum.
Purpose of the Colosseum
History,
Facts and Information about the Purpose of the Colosseum
The content of this article provides interesting history,
facts and information about Purpose of the Colosseum. Why was the Roman
Colosseum built, what was the purpose of the Roman Colosseum?
Purpose of
the Colosseum
The purpose of the Roman Colosseum was as follows:
Purpose 1: To provide a permanent purpose-built
arena in the centre of Ancient Rome for staging various forms of entertainment
for the Ancient Romans - a gift to Roman Citizens
Purpose 2: To
create a massive, breath-taking structure conveying the wealth, might and power
of Rome
Purpose 3: To
seat up to 80,000 Romans, each with an unobstructed view, creating a diversion
for unemployed and unruly Plebs
Purpose 4: To
provide a showcase for exotic, wild animals taken from all corners of the Roman
Empire, once again to convey the extent of Rome's conquests of different
countries
Purpose 5: To
ensure the support and popularity of the Emperors Vespasian and Titus (members
of the Flavian dynasty of emperors) amongst the Plebs (the 'Mob')
Purpose 6: To
utilize and showcase the latest Roman engineering and building techniques,
including a labyrinth of tunnels under the arena containing 32 animal pens and
lift systems operated by ropes and pulleys to facilitate the fast movement of
animals, gladiators, prisoners and stage scenery in and out of the Colosseum
arena
Purpose 7: To
stage reconstructions of famous Roman battle victories, including sea battles
requiring the arena to be flooded, encouraging Roman patriotism
Purpose 8: To
provide advanced crowd control features, such as 76 separate entrances, to
ensure the massive crowds who flocked to the Gladiator games were kept in order
Concept of
the Colosseum
The concept of the Flavian Amphitheatre, as it was first called,
grew from the custom of wealthy Romans holding funeral games to honor the dead.
Ancient Romans believed that human sacrifice at the dead person's funeral would
appease the pagan gods and ensure a satisfactory entrance into the afterlife.
The funeral games were organised and paid for by wealthy Roman aristocrats and
Patricians as public events. Gladiator combats, were at first held in small
wooden arenas. As the popularity of the games grew large amphitheatres were
built to house the games. The amphitheatres were round or oval in shape. This
design was taken from joining two half-circle wooden theatres together (the
word "amphi" means 'both sides'). The wealthy Roman patricians who
were responsible for staging such events grew in popularity, so they became
political events by which prominent Romans could gain popularity with the mob.
Eventually the provision of the Gladiatorial Games were seen as a method to
please the Roman gods and goddesses and avert Rome from disaster. By the first
century providing gladiator games became a requirement of some of the major
public offices and it was not long before the concept of the permanent stone
arena was born
History,
Facts and Information about Design of the Colosseum
The content of this article provides interesting history,
facts and information about Design of the Colosseum. The design of the
Colosseum was created to strike awe into anyone who saw this great building. It
was a symbol of the power of Rome and its emperors. Its classical design
features, reminiscent of classical Greek architecture was meant to convey that
Rome was also a great and civilised nation...
'State of
the Art' Design of the Colosseum
The Design of the Colosseum applied the latest in Roman
arts, engineering, architecture and other creative endeavours. The invention of
concrete enabled this massive building to be built quickly, efficiently and to
great effect. All of this was done to the highest artistic standard and in a
highly skilled manner.
Design of
the Colosseum - for Purpose and Effect
The plan and design of the Colosseum was created for
specific roles and effects. Its main role was to provide a permanent
purpose-built arena in the centre of Ancient Rome for staging various forms of
entertainment for the Ancient Romans. The Colosseum was the largest
amphitheatre in the Roman world, seating up to 80,000 Romans. The design of the
massive, breath-taking structure conveyed the culture, wealth, might and power
of the city of Rome and the Roman Empire.
Classical
Design of the Colosseum
The Classical Design of the Colosseum is reflected in the
rows of arches at each of the levels. The first level consisted of 23 ft high
and 14 ft wide Doric "order" or style arches, the second level was
designed with 21 ft high and 14 ft wide Ionic arches and the third level 21 ft
high and 14 ft wide Corinthian style arches. See Roman Arches for a full
description of these designs and styles. The design of the Colosseum displays a
natural progression from sturdiest and plainest arches (Doric) at the bottom,
to slenderest and richest arches (Corinthian) at the top.
Design of
the Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum included a design feature of a
retractable awning called the Velarium which provided cover and shade to the
spectators. The Design of the Colosseum was later extended to incorporate a
hypogeum consisting of a two-level subterranean network of tunnels and vertical
shafts providing instant access to the arena for animals and scenery.
side view of The Colosseum
design pattern of Colosseum
Dimensions of the Colosseum
History,
Facts and Information about Dimensions of the Colosseum
The content of this article provides interesting history,
facts and information about the dimensions of the great Flavian Amphitheatre.
The dimensions detailed include the height, width, length and circumference of
the Roman Colosseum.
Building the Colosseum
Dimensions of the Colosseum
The
Dimensions are as follows:
Dimensions
|
Shape of the Roman Colosseum
|
Oval
|
Capacity
|
Max: 80,000 spectators
|
Area covered
|
6 acres
|
Number of Entrances
|
76 entrances were numbered but there were an additional four
grand entrances which were not numbered
|
Dimensions: Height
|
50 metres high (187 ft), equivalent to a 12 storey building
|
Dimensions: Length
|
189 metres (615 ft) long
|
Dimensions: Width
|
156 metres 510 ft wide
|
Dimensions: Outer Circumference
|
The outer circumference measures 545 metres (1,788 ft)
|
Dimensions: Centre Arena
|
The center arena was 287 ft long and 180 ft wide. The arena
was covered with 15cm of sand
|
Dimensions of Arena Wall
|
15 ft high
|
Vaults
|
Vaults span between 80 radial walls to support tiers of
seating and for passageways and stairs.
|
The Hypogeum (meaning underground)
|
The hypogeum consisted of two-level subterranean network of
tunnels and 32 animal pens. There were 80 vertical shafts provided instant
access to the arena for animals and scenery. Large hinged platforms, called
hegmata provided access for large animals
|
Trap Doors in Arena
|
36
|
Retractable Awning - the Velarium
|
Provided cover and shade:
- 3
stone brackets in each of the 80 bays
- Brackets
supported 240 wooden masts on which canvas awnings were hung
|
Drains
|
Drains were built 8m (26ft) underneath the structure
|
Foundations
|
- Foundations
under the outer walls and seating were 12-13m (39-42ft) deep
- Foundations
under the inner ellipse of the arena were 4m (13ft) deep
|
Seating
|
40cm width per spectator and 70cm leg room
|
Marble used
|
Approx 100,000 cubic metres
|
Rows of Seats
|
60 -80 Rows of seats
|
Dimensions of the
Different levels of the Colosseum
|
Level 1 - Ground Level
|
The first level is 34 ft high and the Doric arches are 23 ft
high and 14 ft wide.
|
Level 2
|
The second level, in the Ionic "order" or style, is
38 ft high and the arches measure 21 ft high and 14 ft wide.
|
Level 3
|
The third level, in the Corinthian style, is 37 ft high with
the arches being 21 ft high and 14 ft wide.
|
Level 4
|
The fourth or top level is 45 ft high and had no arches.
|
Building the Colosseum
History, Facts and Information about
Building the Colosseum
The content of this article provides interesting history,
facts and information about Building the Colosseum. The vision of Vespasian and
his sons to build the greatest arena ever seen in the Roman world took less
than 10 years! How was this monumental structure built so quickly? Who built
the Roman Colosseum and why was the Roman Colosseum built?
Building the Colosseum - Why was the
Roman Colosseum built?
The decision which led to building the Colosseum was made by
the Vespasian who was emperor of Rome from 1 July 69 – 23 June 79 AD. His rule
quickly followed the reign of the infamous Nero. During the rule of Nero the
Great Fire of Rome of 64AD wrecked the city. Nero appropriated prime land in
the city and built a fabulous palace with a lake and gardens, it was called the
Domus Aurea (Latin for "Golden House"). A colossal statue of Nero
measuring 100 - 120 Roman feet (37m) high was erected on the site and had
become a landmark in the centre of the city of Rome. During the burning of Rome
the main stone built arena had been destroyed (the Amphitheater of Statilius
Taurus) together with the wooden, amphitheatre called the Amphitheatrum Neronis
which had been commissioned by Nero to placate the 'plebs' before the great
fire and built in 57AD. After the death of Nero morale and the confidence of
Roman citizens was at an all time low. Vespasian had to get support back from
the people and assure the popularity of the Flavian family. His idea was to
demolish the palace of Nero and construct a permanent arena for housing free
gladiator games and other entertainment for the amusement of the 'mob'. The
magnificence of the building was to convey the Glory of Rome.
Building
the Colosseum - When was the Roman Colosseum built?
The building of the Roman Colosseum began between 73-75 A.D.
and was almost completed in 79AD when Vespasian died. Vespasian's older son
Titus saw the completion of building the Colosseum and the inauguration games
in A.D. 81.
Building
the Colosseum - Additions to the Colosseum
Vespasian's second son the Emperor Domitian added the top
tier of the Colosseum and a vast network of rooms, cells, tunnels and passages
under the Roman Colosseum called the Hypogeum.
Building
the Colosseum - How much did the Roman Colosseum cost?
No one knows exactly how much the building of the Colosseum
cost. But in A.D. 70 Titus had sacked the city of Jerusalem. The fabulous
treasures of Jerusalem paid for the building of the Colosseum, and no expense
was spared in the project.
Building the Colosseum - The Building
Project
The design of the Roman Colosseum applied the latest in
Roman arts, engineering, architecture and other creative endeavours. The
invention of concrete enabled this massive building to be built quickly,
efficiently and to great effect. All of this was done to the highest artistic
standard and in a highly skilled manner.
Building
the Colosseum - Who built the Roman Colosseum?
An estimated 100,000 prisoners were bought back to Rome as
slaves after the Jewish War. Vespasian had a limitless work force. In the
building of the Colosseum the slaves undertook the manual labor such as working
in the quarries at Tivoli where the travertine was quarried. Slaves would also
have been used to lift and transport the heavy stones 20 miles from Tivoli to
Rome. Teams of professional Roman builders, engineers, artists, painters and
decorators undertook the skilled tasks necessary for building the Colosseum.
Building
the Colosseum - The Invention of Concrete and the Vaulted Arch
Roman architecture and buildings, such as the Colosseum,
were strongly influenced by two of their great inventions - concrete and
vaulted arches. Concrete was a a recent invention when the Colosseum was built
and the Romans were still learning how to use it. As concrete was so new they
did not know how strong it was or long it would last. The Romans cautiously
combined concrete together with stone. Concrete was made by mixing a strong
volcanic material ( called pazzolana ) with rubble, sand and a mixture of
limes. The Colosseum had four tiers. The ceilings of the passages and corridors
which circled the arena on each tier consisted of vaulted arches made of
concrete but the supports they rested on were made of strong, heavy limestone.
The Vaulted arches made the ceilings
much stronger than a flat ceiling would have been. Vaulted arches made of
concrete added strength to the building without adding excessive weight.
Without concrete and vaulted arches, the Colosseum could not have been built.
Building
Techniques used in the Colosseum
The timescale was tight - the Flavian family wanted the
amphitheatre built as quickly as possible. Hundreds of skilled stonemasons were
required to complete the building. The Romans used a new building technique -
standardized parts. Stairs and seats were constructed off-site. The stairs and
seats were all built to the same size and were made to be interchangeable. They
were made in workshops and then brought to the amphitheatre to be fitted by
teams experienced in this work.
What materials were used in building the Colosseum?
The materials used in the building were as follows:
Travertine limestone
The Travertine limestone was quarried in Tivoli, 20 miles
from Rome, and was used for the main pillars, the ground floor and the external
wall
The outer wall is estimated to have required over 100,000
cubic meters (3,531,466 ft) of travertine stone which were set, without mortar,
and held together by 300 tons of iron clampsIt has been calculated that 300
tons of metal were used just for the clampsTuff or Tufo - a porous stone used
in the preparation of cementTuff, or Tufo, was used for the minor pillars and
radial walls
Cement
Cement was used for the vaulted arches
Tiles
Tiles were used for the floors and the walls
Bricks
Bricks were used in walls
MarbleUsed for the seating, statues and ornaments, drinking
fountains and as a covering to the outside walls
Lead and terra-cotta pipes for the Water and Sewer system
Building
the Colosseum - Design and Dimensions
The Design of the Colosseum was constructed according to
specific plans and dimensions. The Colosseum is an entirely free-standing
structure, oval in shape, 615 ft long, 510 ft wide, 187 ft high and had a base
area of 6 acres. These are detailed in Dimensions of the Colosseum. It was a
symbol of the power of Rome and its emperors. Its classical design features
which were reminiscent of classical Greek architecture was meant to convey that
Rome was also a great and civilised nation.
Building
the Colosseum - Crowd Control
The Roman architects and builders had to design the
Colosseum to provide the biggest arena in the world capable of holding between
50,000 - 80,000 people. Just one series of games might last for 100 consecutive
days. Attention had to paid towards crowd control. The Roman architects
therefore devised an ingenious system of entrances, corridors, and staircases
that allowed the crowds to enter and exit the Colosseum quickly and easily.
There were 80 separate entrance arches - see Colosseum Entrances and Exits. By
using so many separate entrances the architect solved the problem of crowd
control - the Colosseum could be cleared in less than 10 minutes.
Facts about the Colosseum
History,
Facts and Information about Facts about the Colosseum
The content of this article provides interesting history,
facts and information about Facts about the Colosseum.
Facts about
the Colosseum
The following Facts about the Colosseum provide short facts
and information about this Ancient Roman arena of Death.
Facts about the Roman
Colosseum
|
Fact 1
|
When it was first built it was originally called the Flavian
Amphitheatre, after the Flavian dynasty of Emperors including Vespasian, Titus and Domitian.
|
Fact 2
|
The name 'Colosseum' is derived from the Latin word
'colosseus' meaning colossal. This was in reference to the gigantic statue of
the Emperor Nero which had been previously
erected near the site of the Colosseum.
|
Fact 3
|
The great amphitheatre covers and area of 6 acres
|
Fact 4
|
Entrance to the games was free. The massive amphitheatre had a
capacity estimated at between 50,000 and 80,000 Romans
|
Fact 5
|
The outer circumference measures 545 metres (1,788 ft). It is
50 metres high (187 ft), 189 metres (615 ft) long and 156 metres 510 ft wide. Dimensions of the Colosseum
|
Fact 6
|
The area beneath the Colosseum was called the Hypogeum (meaning underground). The
hypogeum consisted of two-level subterranean network of tunnels and 32 animal
pens. It had 80 vertical shafts which provided instant access to the arena
for animals and scenery.
|
Fact 7
|
The Emperor Domitian, the younger son of Vespasian
added the hypogeum and also a gallery at the top of the Colosseum to increase
its seating capacity.
|
Fact 8
|
The Colosseum is located in the centre of the city of Rome,
Italy (Piazzale del Colosseo, Rome). The absolute location is 41 degrees
latitude and 12 degrees longitude.
|
Fact 9
|
There were 36 trap doors in Arena allowing for elaborate
special effects
|
Fact 10
|
The animals displayed and killed at the theatre were
transported from every corner of the Roman Empire reflecting the scale and
scope of the Roman provinces. Wild Animals at the Colosseum
|
Fact 11
|
The wild and exotic animals which included lions, tigers,
hyenas, hippos, rhino's, crocodiles, ostriches, antelopes, bears and zebras
|
Fact 12
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There were over 20 different types of Gladiators
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Fact 13
|
The Roman Colosseum was used for staging various events
including gladiator fights, wild animal displays, theatrical entertainment,
executions, religious ceremonies, mock sea battles and re-playing famous
Roman victories.
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Fact 14
|
The Colosseum was built for several reasons:
- As
a gift to Roman Citizens, increasing the popularity of the Flavian
dynasty
- Staging
various forms of entertainment in a purpose built stone amphitheatre,
creating a diversion for unemployed and unruly Plebs
- To
utilize and showcase the latest Roman engineering techniques
demonstrating to the world the power of Rome
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Fact 15
|
The emperor took up a prominent position in the imperial box
was called the pulvinar which was located on the podium (meaning place
of honor) which was like a terrace and about 15ft wide astride the
centre of the minor axis of the arena on the north side. Seating at the Colosseum
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Fact 16
|
The Flavian Amphitheatre was built of travertine on the
outside and tufa and brick in the interior. The main pedestals were built of
marble blocks.
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Fact 17
|
In the building of the Colosseum the slaves undertook the
manual labor and teams of professional Roman builders, engineers and
decorators undertook the skilled tasks.
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Fact 18
|
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Fact 19
|
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Fact 20
|
There were 76 entrances which were numbered but there were an
additional four grand entrances which were not numbered. Colosseum Entrances and Exits
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Fact 21
|
Tickets were distributed for the shows, each one marked with a
seat number, tier number and entrance number. The inaugural games at the
Colosseum lasted more than 100 days.
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Fact 22
|
At the end of the day the gladiators who had been killed were
dragged through the Porta Libitinensis (Gate of Death) to the Spoliarium
where the body was stripped and the weapons and armor given to the dead
gladiator’s lanista.
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Fact 23
|
The arena was 287 ft long and 180 ft wide. The arena was
covered with 15cm of sand.
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Fact 24
|
There were various entrances/ exits from the arena. The Porta
Sanavivaria was the Gate of Life where those who had been defeated but spared
would exit, the Porta Libitina was the Gate of Death or Executions and
the Porta Triumphalis where the victors would exit the arena.
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Fact 25
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The bisellium was a richly ornamented seat of honor at the
games. It was so called because there was room for two persons upon it,
although only one sat there, usually the Emperor.
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Fact 26
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42 Roman Emperors witnessed the carnage at the amphitheatre
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Fact 27
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An estimated 700,000 people died in the bloody arena
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Fact 28
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Executions of Christians or Criminals provided popular midday
entertainment.
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Fact 29
|
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Fact 30
|
The massive Flavian Amphitheatre took less than 10 years to
build
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Facts about the Roman
Colosseum
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History,
Facts and Information about Beneath the Colosseum
The content of this article provides interesting history, facts and
information about life Beneath the Colosseum. The Roman Colosseum produced
spectacular and blood thirsty shows for the benefit of the 'mob'. The
gladiatorial combats and animal exhibitions and combats were expensive to
produce. And as the crowd's expectations increased so did the work that was
conducted beneath the Great Roman Colosseum.
Beneath
the Colosseum - The Spectacular 'Shows'
Beneath the whole area on which the Roman Colosseum were a maze of
underground chambers, cells, tunnels and passages. The spectacular productions
held in the Colosseum were extremely important to the emperor and high ranking
politicians. If the thousands of unemployed Plebs became bored this led to
civil unrest and rioting in the streets. The Plebs needed to be amused and the
gladiatorial games had to be provided. The cost of the gladiatorial games was
born by the Emperors, and therefore the state, and corrupt politicians who
sponsored the games to curry favor and support with the 'Mob'. The cost of the
gladiatorial games eventually came to one third of the total income of the
Empire. The Sponsors of the games expected the highest levels of entertainment.
The crowd had to be entertained throughout the whole day. And some of the games
lasted for over 100 days. The days events were planned to the strictest timing.
Something had to be seen at all times. There were constant changes of events.
The hunts and beast fights were initially scheduled for the morning, the
executions of prisoners in the afternoon (the more novel the forms of execution
the better) and the gladiatorial fights were scheduled for the afternoon /
early evening.
Beneath
the Colosseum - The Water and Sewage System
The Roman Colosseum held between 50,000 - 80, 000 spectators. The Romans
came in their thousands to watch the death of wild animals, criminals, slaves,
Christians and gladiators - terrible, gory, bloody deaths. The gruesome ordeals
of animals and humans required an adequate sewer system to dispose of these
waste products. The massive crowds of spectators at the Colosseum needed to
drink - water was a vital necessity in the stifling heat of Rome. Evidence has
been found of over 100 drinking fountains in the Colosseum. The crowds and
combatants also needed access to toilet facilities. Beneath the Colosseum, at the lowest level,
was a complex Water and Sewer system designed by the best Roman Engineers of
the period.
Beneath
the Colosseum - The Element of Surprise
Romans loved to be surprised. Novelty 'acts' were applauded. Scenery and
costume changes were required. Forests of trees, plants, streams and even mock
mountains had to be miraculously produced. The arena had to fill with a whole range
of wild animals to different specific timings. Crowd safety had to be
considered. Dead bodies of animals, criminals and gladiators had to be disposed
of to make room for the next acts. All of these tasks were engineered from
beneath the Colosseum.
Beneath the Colosseum - The Hypogeum
The area beneath the Colosseum was called the Hypogeum (meaning
underground). The hypogeum consisted of two-level subterranean network of
tunnels and 32 animal pens. It had 80 vertical shafts which provided instant
access to the arena for animals and scenery. There were 36 trap doors in Arena
allowing for elaborate special effects. The atmosphere and smell beneath the
Colosseum must have been terrible. The Hypogeum would have had little natural
lights so lamps would have burnt continuously. The heat in the Hypogeum must
have been almost unbearable. The stench of animals, the excrement, blood and death would have
filled every part of the Hypogeum - both above and beneath the Colosseum must
have been 'hell on earth.
The Tunnels beneath the Colosseum - The Tunnels
The bloody arena of the Colosseum was the centre of a complex consisting
of various buildings and industries necessary to run the horrific activities of the arena.
There were various underground tunnels that connected the Roman Colosseum to
the surrounding buildings. The Tunnels
Under the Colosseum led to:
The Gladiator Schools, the Saniarium was where the wounded gladiators were
taken for medical attention and stables where some of the animals were kept
The Spoliarium where the dead bodies of gladiators were stripped of armor
and weaponry and the Armamentarium where the weapons were stored
The
Tunnels beneath the Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum was used for staging various massive and spectacular
events including gladiator fights, wild animal displays, theatrical
entertainment, executions, religious ceremonies, mock sea battles and
re-playing famous Roman victories. All of these complex shows adhered to
critical timings most of which were produced by the slaves working beneath the
Colosseum.
Seating at the Colosseum
History,
Facts and Information about Seating at the Colosseum
The content of this article provides interesting history, facts and
information about Seating at the Colosseum. The admission to the Colosseum was
free but everyone had to have a ticket. The Colosseum had something that
resembled a seating chart. Each ticket was marked with a seat number, a tier
number and a sector number which indicated the correct entrance gate. There was
no wood used in the seating area of the Colosseum. The seating at the Colosseum
consisted of concrete barrel vaulting which held the marble seating that was
eventually installed. The seats were made of marble, numbered with lines
inscribed on the marble showing the limits of each seat. People sat on wooden
planks placed on the marble seats, but the elite were more comfortable: the
senators had cushions at first, then chairs (folding stools) called curules
(sella curulis). Cushions were accorded to the equites (knights). Marble
diagrams with the seating arrangements marked on them were set in the walls by
the entrances.
Seating
at the Colosseum - the Entrance Gates
There were 76 entrance gate arches in the Roman Colosseum, which were used
by the general public. There were also four special un-numbered gates which
were the Grand Entrances. The public entrances were numbered providing easy
access to the allocated seats. The numbers were set in stone above each of the
public entrances, for example the Roman Numerals XXXVIII referred to Gate
number 38. The special, un-numbered gates, were used by the magistrates,
emperor, wealthy patricians, senators, visiting dignitaries and the Vestal
Virgins. The emperor could also access the Colosseum via a richly decorated
tunnel which started at the Imperial Palace. Click the following link for more
facts and information about the Colosseum Entrances and Exits.
Seating
at the Colosseum - The Auditorium (the Cavea)
The auditorium or seating area of the Colosseum was called the cavea which
surrounded the central arena. The arena was the area of the Colosseum where the
events were held and was separated from the seating areas by a massive wall,
faced with marble. A large ditch (euripi) providing even more protection. The
cavea was divided into four tiers. Each tier was divided into sections (called
the maeniana) by curved passages and low walls (called the praecinctiones), and
were subdivided into wedges (called the cunei) accessed via the steps and
aisles from the Vomitoria. Each row (gradus) of seats was numbered, permitting
each individual seat to be exactly designated by its gradus, cuneus, and
number.
Seating
at the Colosseum - Social Structure
The Seating at the Colosseum was divided into four main sections
containing wedges of seating stretching up and back from the edge of the arena
(see the above plan). The areas of seating reflected the social status of the
occupant in Roman society. The Patricians and Plebeians were originally the
only two classes of Romans but then the Equites or Knights were added. The
Equites belonged to the social class that was just below the level of
senator, they had control over
administration and finance. Where a person sat in the Colosseum and the style
of dress worn marked out immediately to fellow Roman citizens precisely their
position in Roman social hierarchy. In c20 BC the Emperor Augustus introduced
an edict called the Lex Iulia Theatralis which stipulated the seating
arrangement of all the different classes in public places like theatres,
amphitheatres and circuses. These rules were enforced all over the Empire and
at the same time he also banned women from public spectacles (although this was
relaxed later).
Seating
at the Colosseum - Tiers of Seating
Each of the four
sectors had tiers of seating:
·
The first tier, called the Podium (meaning place of honor),
was reserved for the most important Romans - the Emperor, the Vestal Virgins,
the important priests and members of the Roman Government including the Roman
Senators. The Podium was like a flat platform, or terrace, measuring 15ft wide
·
2nd Tier - Maenianum primum:
This seating was reserved for the non-senatorial noble class called the
Equites, or knights consisting of fourteen rows of stone or marble seats
·
3rd Tier was originally reserved for ordinary Roman
citizens, the plebeians. Seating was then divided into two sections:
·
Maenianum secundum imum - the better, lower seats for the
wealthy plebeians
·
Maenianum secundum summum - the upper seats for the poor
plebeians
·
4th Tier - Maenianum summum in ligneis: Consisted of steep
wooden seats which were set up in the gallery running around the very top wall
of the amphitheatre which were added during the reign of Domitian. This would
seat common women. Slaves were strictly forbidden from the Colosseum
·
Standing Room - there was standing room in the top tier and
in the aisles. Some groups were banned from the Colosseum including actors,
gravediggers and former gladiators
Seating
at the Colosseum - The Podium
The podium was a flat marble platform, or terrace, which spanned around
the first tier of the arena. The Podium was about 15ft wide. Special boxes were
provided at the north and south ends respectively of the podium for the Emperor
and the Vestal Virgins. These seats provided the best views of the arena. Seats
on the podium were reserved for the most elite Romans including the emperor and
royal family, nobles, senators, important priests or visiting dignitaries. The
names of some senators can still be seen carved into the stonework of the
Colosseum. The senators were allowed to bring their own chairs which they moved
about at will. These chairs were in fact stools called curule chairs 'sella
curulis'. A curule chair was a stool supported on a cross-frame. The curule
chair was traditionally made of ivory with curved legs which formed a wide 'X'.
It had no back. It was a stool with low arms. The curule chair could be folded
and therefore used as an easily transportable seat. The podium was spacious and wide enough to
take three curule chairs.
Seating
at the Colosseum - The Imperial Box, where the Emperor was seated
One of the most repeated question of those visiting the Colosseum is
"Where did the emperor sit? The emperor took up a very visible and
prominent position which was located on the podium at the centre of the
narrower side of the arena on the north side. There is now a cross to remember
the Christians that died in the arena. The Roman Emperors sat where the cross
is now placed. The elevated imperial box was erected on a platform called the
pulvinar which had stairs on one side. The Imperial box was raised above the podium
on a dais. There were four columns, each surmounted by a statue of victory
which supported a canopy, or awning, over it. The Royal Box was accessed via a
tunnel which led to the Imperial palace. The elevated Imperial Box, from which
the emperor watched the games, was called the 'cubiculum'. A cubiculum usually
referred to a bedroom in a Roman house but it was also applied to the Imperial
box as the emperors could recline in the cubicula, instead of sitting on a
curule chair (sella curulis). The emperor sat or reclined on a bisellium which
was a richly ornamented chair or seat of honor at the games. The bisellium was
so called because there was room for two people to sit on, although only one
person ever sat there - the Emperor. A total of 42 Roman Emperors witnessed the
carnage at the Roman Colosseum.
Specially
Reserved Seating at the Colosseum
Some people and institutions that had places specially assigned in the
cavea of the Colosseum. These include the tribunes, the religious sector
including the Pontifices, the children from the families of the nobility and
their teachers.
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