Colosseum In Rome (Italy)

History of Roman Colosseum

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the place was started in AD 80 for the very first time. However, the construction was started by Emperor Vespasian in a time around AD 69 to 79. After his death, his son Titus ensured the completion of the structure. The inauguration games were held to celebrate, during which more than 5000 animals were killed.

Facts about Roman Colosseum

1) It was built over the span of 10 years by Roman Emperor Vespasian who was the founder of the Flavian dynasty.

2) The original structure had more than 80 entrances and 36 trap doors for special effects.

3) Elliptical in shape, it is 189 meters long and 156 m wide.

4) More than 100,000 cubic meters of travertine stone was used to build its outer wall.

Architecture of Colosseum

1) The exterior structure

The marvelous exterior wall of the Flavian Amphitheatre has a unique oval shape. The grand structure of 186 meters length and 156 meters width makes it mesmerizing. A big section of the outer wall collapsed in 1349 due to many earthquakes. The remains somehow enhance the beauty of the overall outer structure. There are four locations of getting inside the structure.

2) The interior structure

The basic idea behind the Colosseum in Rome was to embrace the games and get entertained. Hence, the interior of the structure was designed for both the general public as well as the emperors. The distance between the royalty and the public can be seen in the interior. The boxes and high platforms were constructed for the royalties. The names of the senators are still readable, which shows that the platforms were reserved for senators and royalties. The whole seating arrangement is divided into three levels. The first level includes the reserved places for emperors. Then, there is second level is for the noble families of Rome. After that, the stairs are there that were used for the more than 50,000 members of the public. The remains clearly introduce visitors to the glimpse of old lavishness and architectural beauty of the Roman Imperial time period.

3) The underground complex

Below the arena, there is a long chain of rooms and cages in an underground complex. Also known as hypogeum, the underground complex was used to keep the gladiators and wild animals. The tunnels were used to bring the gladiators to the arena.