History and Construction of the Roman Colosseum

860 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Essays on the roman colosseum

Introduction

The Roman Colosseum is one of the most familiar and notable constructions in the world. It was given the name The Colosseum during the middle ages. This wonderful construction remains standing nearly 2 century’s after it had been originally constructed. One of the noticeable thing behind the Colosseum's charm is its architectural design. In this report I will look at the history of the The Colosseum, how it constructed and what is happening to it today.

The History

Construction of The Colosseum was authorized by the emperor Vespasian in 70 A.D, and finished by his son Titus about 10 years later in 80 A.D. It’s located in Italy, in the middle of Rome and the area is called Piazza del Colosseo. The Colosseum was modified by the next Emperor, Domitian. He added some underground tunnels to keep animals and slaves. He as well added a building to the upper side of the Colosseum to rise the number of spectators.

The Roman Colosseum was built for staging many forms of entertainment for the ancient Romans. It can hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators (Hopkins, K. 2011), and it was built to show the wealth, might and power of Rome.

It has 76 separate doorways, to safeguard the huge crowds who came to the gladiator sports and were kept organized and to go in and exit easily. The latest Roman engineering and building techniques were used. Tunnels underneath the stadium contain 32 animal and lift systems worked by ropes and pulleys to make smooth fast movement of animals, gladiators and prisoners.

No one knows precisely how far the construction of the Colosseum cost. But 70 Titus had destroyed the city of Jerusalem. The resources of Jerusalem funded for the construction of the Colosseum. All Romans ensured free of cha...

... middle of paper ...

... M. (2012, November 6). Colosseum. Ancient History Encyclopedia. Retrieved May 4, 2014, from http://www.ancient.eu.com/Colosseum/

Hayes, H. (2010, February 20). Sacred Destinations. Colosseum. Retrieved April 28, 2014, from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-colosseum

Hopkins, K. (2011, March 22). The Colosseum: Emblem of Rome. BBC News. Retrieved April 28, 2014, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/colosseum_01.shtml

Mueller, T. (2011, January 1). Secrets of the Colosseum. Smithsonian. Retrieved May 11, 2014, from http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/secrets-of-the-colosseum-75827047/?no-ist

Sylvere, E. (2014, April 25). The Colosseum's Badly Needed Bath. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved May 11, 2014, from http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304518704579521583

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAnVA4_xhTk

Show More
Related

  • The Roman Colosseum

    3004 Words  | 7 Pages

    Rome’s most famous landmark, Colosseum is a large Amphitheatre that could hold up to 50,000 people seated, which is located in Rome, Italy. The Colosseum was used as a royal treat, entertainment where gladiators would fight with wild beast in front of people, animal hunt, theatre performances and public executions for public entertainment and also the King himself. Most of the public event was held at Colosseum. The Roman Colosseum was built between 69 to 79 CE by the Vespasian emperor.

    Read More

  • Roman Gladiators

    979 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...m. This huge circular arena was the pinnacle of the Roman Gladiatorial games, and though it isn't fully intact, it is a great reminder of ancient culture. Though today these games seem inhumane and unnecessary, to their ancient culture it was a vacation from everyday stress. Even the Emperor was said to understand that though money and grain would satisfy and individual, large spectacles were necessary for the ‘contentment of the masses' (wes civ).

    Read More

  • History Behind The Colosseum

    1527 Words  | 4 Pages

    When discussing the historical and cultural aspects it is important to take into consideration the culture, religion, political, social, economic and artistic aspects of the time period.The construction of the Colosseum occurred during the Flavian Dynasty, between 69 CE to 96 CE. The construction of this massive amphitheater began in 70 CE under the reign of emperor Vespasian and ended sometime around 80 CE under the reign of his son Titus (Vespasian, 2013). During this time period Vespasian was greatly known for his reorganization of the army and the expansion of the membership of the senate, which ultimately dealt with the political, economic and military aspect of the Roman history and culture.

    Read More

  • Roman Entertainment

    1009 Words  | 3 Pages

    Colosseum was used just for gladiatorial battles, the Colosseum was also filled water so the

    Read More

  • The Importance of Gladiator Games

    1758 Words  | 4 Pages

    Scott, Foreman and Company, 1903. Kohne, Eckhart and Cornelia Ewigleben, eds., pp. 113-117. Gladiators and Caesars: The Power of Spectacle in Ancient Rome. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2000. Meijer, Fik (Liz Waters, trans.).

    Read More

  • How Does the Circus Maximus Reflect the Values of Ancient Rome?

    1054 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Circus Maximus has a lot of history due to all of the events that had happened over the years of the Circus Maximus, the concept of chariots speeding around a track to see which horse would come in first. A chariot was a two wheeled, horse drawn vehicle. It was invented in the west in about 2,000 BC. The Circus Maximus started in approximately 50 BC. The Circus Maximus was first used for public games and entertainment by the Etruscan king of Rome. He built the Circus Maximus and made it out of complete wood. It measured 621 meters in length and 150 meters in width. It was capable of holding about 270,000 spectators to watch the races ("Circus Maximus princeton.edu") In 81 AD, Emperor Domitian connected his new palace on the Palatine to the Circus Maximus so he could have an easier view of the races. This happened to be a large action because they had to change around the whole racing course to fit in his window where he could watch. In 64 BC, they had a fire started from ...

    Read More

  • The Rape of Lucretia

    1982 Words  | 4 Pages

    3)Dionysius, Earnest Cary, and Edward Spelman. The Roman Antiquities. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard UP, 1937. Print.

    Read More

  • The Symbols Of The Colosseum In Rome

    819 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Colosseum is an important part of ancient Roman history. The amphitheater is a symbol of Roman culture. The Colosseum displayed the violence of Roman culture. This incredibly unique amphitheater dominated the city of Rome. It was one of the most innovative and complex structures during that time period. The vastness of this impressive building displayed the wealth and power of the Roman Empire to other empires and enemies of the Romans. The Colosseum was created for public entertainment purposes. Gladiator fights with prisoners of war and slaves, wild animal hunts, professional fights, and public executions all took place at the Colosseum. Sea battles, rarely performed at the Colosseum, involved flooding the arena with water and releasing sharks for gladiators to fight. The excitement and thrill of each event kept spectators coming back.

    Read More

  • Roman Engineering

    618 Words  | 2 Pages

    The engineering discoveries of ancient Rome have played a key role in the history of architecture and engineering. Many of Rome’s roadways, bridges, and aqueducts have been in use from the first century until the twentieth century. Many American buildings have used the Roman dome. Several major structures from early Rome still stand, including the Collosseum. These remnants of feats of Roman engineering stand as a monument to the ability of ancient Roman builders.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Augustus Of Prima Porta

    1836 Words  | 4 Pages

    Here, we will be looking at a rendition of the high marble statue of Augustus Caesar known as “Augustus of Prima Porta.” Originating from 1st Century A.D., it is said that there is a possibility that the original sculpture could have been of greek descent. Upon a general overview of the sculpture, one can see that Augustus fulfils a millitarial role of some kind. From his very stance to the garments portrayed on him, Augustus is draped in a decorative cuirass and a tunic, accompanied by a figure of Cupid clutching on to his right calf. After taking the general themes of the work into account, one can then began to start unraveling the many symbolic elements embedded into the sculpture that allude to godly themes. Starting from the crown of his head, the very chiselment and structure of his face gives the work a youthful element to it, even though some say that Augustus was around 40 years old. A recurring theme within Greek and Roman culture is the matter of godliness and immortality amongst idolized figures themselves. This idea is usually depicted by displaying powerful human being in a younger light. This

    Read More

  • Brunelleschi's Chapel

    1269 Words  | 3 Pages

    "Roman Colosseum - Rome, Italy - Great Buildings Architecture." Architecture Design Architectural Images Drawings History and More - ArchitectureWeek Great Buildings. Web. 12 Feb. 2012.

    Read More

  • Role of Women in Ancient Roman Society

    1349 Words  | 3 Pages

    GREECE & ROME. Archaeology [serial online]. November 1987;40(6):18. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed December 22, 2011.

    Read More

  • The Architecture of the Colosseum

    714 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Colosseum is one of the most well-known structures in Rome, Italy. The Colosseum was built almost two thousand years ago to host games for gladiators. The Colosseum provided for entertainment for the Romans, a form of punishment for those who did not obey the laws, and a place of great architectural beauty.

    Read More

  • Slavery In Ancient Rome Essay

    753 Words  | 2 Pages

    Rome, Italy’s capital, is a stretched, city with nearly 3,000 years of influential art, architecture and culture written to share to the world. Ancient Rome was one of the most advanced societies in its time.  Ancient Roman culture lasted a long time in the history of the civilization of Ancient Rome. ancient Rome was a joint of the city of Rome which a lot of the activity’s happen. Ancient Rome is known for the prominent Colosseum which is the largest amphitheater ever built.  , the , and the Pantheon.The Roman Pantheon is the most maintained and dominant buildings of ancient Rome. It is a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods of ancient Rome. The city also had many other theaters, gymnasiums, and many taverns. most of the population in Rome lived in

    Read More

  • The Roman Colosseum

    793 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Roman Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is perhaps the most famous ancient landmark in the world. The Colosseum was the host to thousands of gladiatorial shows, mock naval battles, executions, and animal hunts. Today, the Colosseum still stands in the center of Rome, Italy, however, not quite as it used to be. Still, today, the Roman Colosseum is a large tourist attraction, thousands of tourists from all over the world still come to view this marveled arena. The Roman Colosseum has a rich history, and remains a prized possession of the Roman citizens.

    Read More

More about History and Construction of the Roman Colosseum

Open Document