Archive for category History Colosseum
The History Of The Roman Coliseum
Posted by admin in History Colosseum, History World on May 26, 2011
The precision, the amount of scientific detail involved and the architectural perfection of Roman buildings have continued to inspire and enthrall architects, engineers and scientists alike. The Roman Coliseum is by far one the most advanced and sophisticated stadiums built until date. No technology or modern equipment can ever match the colossal yet accurate designing of this stadium that was built way before computers and software technology were developed.
Interestingly it was not built for hosting any sporting events but for allowing gladiators to fight with others and sometimes even animals! That was the Roman definition for entertainment. Emperor Vesuvius started the construction of this giant stadium in between 70 AD and 72 AD. It just took seven to ten years for completion. From 81 AD to 96 AD, Domitian, the succeeding Roman emperor, brought in a few changes and modifications to complete the building. Huge arches were fixed at perfect symmetrical positions to balance the weight of the stadium. It could host nearly 50,000 people at a time!
Gladiators from Britain, Gaul, North Africa and the Middle East were brought in to fight with each other. The Roman era witnessed some of the most brutal killings and bloodshed inside the stadium during this period. Lions and ostriches were some of the wild animals placed along with gladiators to fight!
However, a strong earthquake in 1349 destroyed the stadium reducing its seating capacity to a meager 100. Today, the stadium has been renovated, is lit twice every year and is ironically a symbol of anti capital punishment! The colors of the stadium are changed from gold to white every time a culprit’s death sentence is revoked. Read the rest of this entry »
The Roman Colosseum – Ancient History and Architecture
Posted by admin in History Colosseum, History World on May 26, 2011
The Coliseum, found in the very heart of Rome, Italy, is one of the few architectural feats made by man that has endured the forces of nature and time. Even fires and earthquakes haven’t subdued the great edifice. Centuries have passed while the immense structure has fallen into ruins, but even today, it is a grand and stunning sight. The Coliseum (originally named Flavian Amphitheater) could accommodate a large crowd of around 50,000 attendees. To accommodate this large crowd they used methods which are similar to our modern day for crowd control. In place of tickets, shards of pottery with section and row numbers directed the spectators to their designated seating sections. To disburse the large crowd in case of emergency there were eighty entrances with each entrance and exit numbered.
It is known that the construction of the Coliseum was started by Emperor Vespasian (the first emperor of the Flavian Dynasty) around 72 AD. The funding for this undertaking came from the ransacking of Jerusalem. It took 8 years before its completion in 80 AD which was after Vespasian’s death.
The imposing building was intended for public displays such as executions and dramas themed on Classical mythology. Another use for the coliseum was the famous gladiatorial contests where slaves were made to fight each other to death for the prize of freedom. The coliseum is considered as a ceremonial monument constructed in the Roman tradition of celebrating triumphs intended for placating the Roman people. Read the rest of this entry »