The Colosseum is known by many as the place where gladiator games were taken place, however the Colosseum is much more than that; it is a symbol of the complete transition that Rome underwent over the span of about 200 years. However, before the symbolism of the Colosseum can be explained it is important to understand what Rome was going through before and during the construction of the Colosseum. During the rule Nero Claudius Caesar, emperor of Rome beginning at 54 BCE, there was complete abuse of power which lead to a disconnect between the leader of Rome and the people of Rome (Ruth). An example of Nero’s misuse of power is when there was a Great Fire in Rome (64 CE) and instead of working to rebuild the empire of Rome, he built himself an extravagant palace known as the Golden House. The utter exploitation that Nero displayed lead to the beginning of an uprising, which caused him to take his own life (Ruth). After a struggle for someone to regain power Emperor Vespasian was the final victor, and it was him who commissioned the creation of the Colosseum from (History.com).
Emperor Vespasian declared that the Golden House that Nero built for himself was to be destroyed and turned into a new Amphitheater for all of the subjects of Rome to enjoy (History.com). The Colosseum went under construction around 70 CE and was completed in 80 CE, and Vespasian’s son Titus was emperor when it was to open (History.com). Upon the initial grand opening of the colosseum Titus declared
Keegan (2005) elaborates on the brutal events held within this structure, also questioning the morality of these civilized people who enjoyed viewing murderous games. He explains that these actions are a complex representation of their culture’s architectural achievement and human barbarism seen through gladiator combats. There was a large amount of effort and preparation put into organizing and maintenance, worth it as the Colosseum continued to be rigorously used for the next four centuries. Eventually, these activities were phased out and the site later turned into a ruin, to be scavenged for its materials. Natural phenomena such as lightning and earthquakes contributed also contributed to this. It’s impressive how although the Colosseum’s function drastically changed over time, it continues to provide benefit to people.
Roman architecture has influenced our modern-day society in many ways. One of the ways is by the construction of the Roman Colosseum in 72 A.D. The Roman Colosseum was the first major stadium or amphitheater to ever be built. Without the planning, construction, and techniques used for Roman Colosseum, we would not have some of the famous stadiums and amphitheaters that exist today.
The idea for the Colosseum came from a man named Titus Flavius, this was due to the amount of people coming to the games before the Colosseum was built. Up to 60,000 people would come and watch the games in a field. Titus saw that too many people were coming so he thought about building a structure that was able to hold up to 80,000 people at a time. This was also for people to be comfortable at the games.
Throughout this report, the uses and the importance that the arena had on Roman society will be discussed as well as the various factors in which it was allowed to do so. Using historical documents and sources the goal is to inform the reader in why the arena was so important to Roman society. The Colosseum, known as the Flavian Amphitheater and located just east of the Roman forum, is a massive stone arena that was commissioned around A. D. 70-72 by Emperor Vespasian. The iconic arena would not have been as popular as it is today if it wasn’t for the gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights which took place. The arena had a very important role in Roman society having a huge influence on the political side of Rome; the social ranking system and it gave the people a source of entertainment.
The Ancient Roman’s had a wicked idea of entertainment. The Colosseum or Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an elliptical amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and stone, it is the largest amphitheater ever built and is considered one of the greatest works of architecture and engineering. The Roman Colosseum, constructed in 79 AD, is a visual representation of the importance of physical strength and military proficiency in Ancient Roman civilization, this is because it was constructed to revel Rome’s military accomplishments and to provide entertainment for Roman citizens. Many events prompted the construction of the Roman Colosseum.
A major part of that is due to the fascinating dome roof structure and its immense size. It was built with what was and still is the world’s largest roof dome made from unreinforced concrete, and with an oculus in the center. While the Pantheon was built for the worship of Gods, the Colosseum was built for sporting events in which gladiators would fight to the death, a much different purpose than that of its Pantheon comparison. The Pantheon is also one of the best preserved structures in Ancient Rome and the building has been in constant use since it was constructed. The Colosseum was in active use for about four centuries before it fell to neglect, then it became a source of building materials for other structures. Although two-thirds of the original Colosseum was destroyed, the amphitheater still remains a tourist attraction and an iconic symbol of Roman
Most sports in ancient Rome were played at the Colosseum. The Colosseum was a circular structure that was built in 72 BCE, stood 160 feet tall and had 80 entrances (http://www.synthreal.com). One of the most popular entertainments that was performed at the Colosseum was gladiatorial battles, in which gladiators would fight to the death. If
The Colosseum is an important landmark of Rome because it was a gift from the Roman emperor. He gave it to his Roman people, it soon became a symbol of power. The Colosseum was also used to show animal hunts, mock sea battles, reenactment of battles and dramas.
Throughout the history of Ancient Rome, the construction of public buildings was used as a political tool, to manipulate the views of the people and to demonstrate the power of the State. The very first emperor of Rome, Augustus, initiated social reform through the construction of buildings from 27 BC onwards. Emperor Vespasian in 69 AD used a similar initiative, and throughout Rome’s history it can be seen that times of civil unrest are often followed by a flourish in architecture and the arts. An example of this can be seen in one of Vespasian’s major building projects, the Colosseum, officially the Flavian Amphitheatre, which had
One of the most important things to understanding Rome is their fixation with violence and war. Without an understanding of why and how the Romans had such extremely violent games in the Colosseum it is incredibly difficult to comprehend Roman culture and the motives of their actions. The cause and effects of the Roman Colosseum come about after the Punic wars. Roman culture is also very interesting because it in some ways is opposite to our own.
The question that I was most interested in is why and how did the Romans come up with the idea of building the Colosseum. The Colosseum which was built in the 72 AD but took a lot of years to be completed it was not until 80AD until it was finished. When it was built the Romans still felt as if more needed to be added and it kept being modified from the 81-96 AD. It was three Emperors who were involved with most of the building one of their names was Flavin Dynasty. They named the type of structure which it was known as Amphitheatre but they had so many monuments inside of it that is what made it so unique.
The Colosseum was a huge Roman building that could hold over 50,000 people at once. This building had several different levels. One of the levels was for animals to be kept in cages until they were ready to fight one another to entertain the citizens. Almost all of the events held at the colosseum
The construction of the Colosseum was a propaganda exercise with the aim of pleasing the citizens which meant that the emperor kept himself in power. The emperors bought their popularity through free entertainment and corn for the spectators which lead to the emperor buying the peoples votes (Hopkins, 2011). The magnificent amphitheatre entertained the roman public becoming an international emblem and propaganda tactic used by emperors to improve their political careers.
The Colosseum was first built in 70-80 CE in Regio IV Templum Pacis, which is in Rome Italy today. Measuring some 620 by 513 feet, the Colosseum was the largest amphitheater in the Roman world. Unlike many earlier amphitheaters, which had been dug into hillsides to provide adequate support, the Colosseum was a freestanding structure made of stone and concrete. The Colosseum could seat up to 80 thousand people. The Colosseum was a gift to the Roman people from Emperor Vespasian.
The Colosseum's technical name is the Flavian Amphitheater, so called in praise of the emperor who oversaw its creation. The Colosseum was begun in the year AD 72 and was still uncompleted at the time of Vespasian's death in 79. He was succeeded by his elder son, Titus, who undertook the completion of the Flavian Amphitheater. It was officially opened in AD 80 for the inaugural games.