The "Flavian Amphitheater", also known as the Colosseum, is capable of seating 55,000 spectators. Deadly gladiatorial and wild animals fights were staged for free by the emperor and wealthy citizens for the masses.
It was commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD by his son Domitian. Built on a marshy site of a lake near the site of Nero's enormous palace, there was a colossus (a very tall statue) of Nero nearby, from which legend says the Colosseum's name was originated from. It was later destroyed in the great fire of Rome.
The Colosseum was cleverly designed. It has been said that most today's stadiums, and structures alike have been inspired by the concepts introduced in the Colosseum's building structure, even in modern times. It could be evacuated in nearly in five minutes.
One of the most incredible parts of the Colosseum was its cooling system. It was roofed using a canvas covered by a structure made of ropes, with a hole in the midlle to provide a breeze for the romans attending the game.
The "vomitoria" is a passageway that leads to a row of seats from below or behind. This technique was used so that the massive venue could fill in 15 minutes. (The Colosseum has 80 gates at ground level, 76 for general public and 4 for the imperial family.) Such an architectural development is amazing for that time. The Colosseum itslef is also of very beautiful and well designed.
The Colosseum was also transformed, in the Middle Ages, into a fortress and some marble was burned used to make quicklime. During the Renaissance, and even more in the Baroque age, the ruling Roman families (from which many Popes of the Catholic Church came from) used Colosseum's marble for the construction of Saint Peters Basilica.
The area itself is today also one of the most beautiful and lively places in Rome. You can find typical restaurants, pubs, stylish and modern cafes and wine bars.
It was commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD by his son Domitian. Built on a marshy site of a lake near the site of Nero's enormous palace, there was a colossus (a very tall statue) of Nero nearby, from which legend says the Colosseum's name was originated from. It was later destroyed in the great fire of Rome.
The Colosseum was cleverly designed. It has been said that most today's stadiums, and structures alike have been inspired by the concepts introduced in the Colosseum's building structure, even in modern times. It could be evacuated in nearly in five minutes.
One of the most incredible parts of the Colosseum was its cooling system. It was roofed using a canvas covered by a structure made of ropes, with a hole in the midlle to provide a breeze for the romans attending the game.
The "vomitoria" is a passageway that leads to a row of seats from below or behind. This technique was used so that the massive venue could fill in 15 minutes. (The Colosseum has 80 gates at ground level, 76 for general public and 4 for the imperial family.) Such an architectural development is amazing for that time. The Colosseum itslef is also of very beautiful and well designed.
The Colosseum was also transformed, in the Middle Ages, into a fortress and some marble was burned used to make quicklime. During the Renaissance, and even more in the Baroque age, the ruling Roman families (from which many Popes of the Catholic Church came from) used Colosseum's marble for the construction of Saint Peters Basilica.
The area itself is today also one of the most beautiful and lively places in Rome. You can find typical restaurants, pubs, stylish and modern cafes and wine bars.
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When planning a trip to Rome, check out some of the most beautiful Apartments in Rome in Colosseum Area and enjoy living a true roman experience in comfortable and large accommodations. If you plan to see more of Italy, also visit the The Key to Italy web site, which features accommodations in the romantic city of Venice, and in the beautiful countryside hills of Tuscany.
