The Roman Coliseum

For modern people, the scope of something like the Roman Coliseum can be difficult to understand. When we think about large structures, we think of modern stadiums and theaters, but the truth of the matter is that the ancient Romans enjoyed something that was very similar. The Roman Coliseum was once known as the Flavian Amphitheater, and, located in the center of the city of Rome, it is considered to be one of the greatest marvels of Roman engineering and Roman architecture. It was started sometime between 70 and 72 AD and completed almost a decade later under the rule of the Emperor Titus.

The scope of the Roman Coliseum is something that cannot be denied, and even seeing it as a modern person who is used to impressive structures makes an impression. 50,000 people could be seated in the Roman Coliseum, and the public space was used for everything from gladiatorial combats to public shows and circuses. One interesting event that happened from time to time were mock sea battles, where the lower area would be flooded and ships set on it. Public executions could also be seen there, as could re-enactments of famous battles, which were quite popular during various points of Roman rule. People might also head to the Roman Coliseum for dramas and at various times, getting into the Roman Coliseum was free or nearly so for ancient citizens.

Though the name of the building was officially the Flavian Amphitheater, the name "Coliseum" was supposedly derived from a large statue of the emperor Nero. Later emperors would remodel the statue so that it took on the likeness of the sun god Helios. In addition to this modification, the head was often swapped out for heads that portrayed Rome's new leaders. Despite the obviously pagan roots of the statue, it remained standing well into the medieval age. The statue itself was also the center of many medieval superstitions and it was often pointed to as a sign of the permanence and influence of Rome. Though the statue was eventually taken apart for its bronze, the name remained.

The Roman Coliseum has undergone many physical difficulties in the centuries since it has been erected. During the third century, the Roman Coliseum was damaged during a major fire that destroyed the wooden levels in the amphitheater's interior. This damage was not repaired for almost twenty years, and this area was not full repaired for almost a hundred years. Similarly, during the fifth century, there was a major earthquake that damaged the Coliseum as well. Despite this, various parts of the Roman Coliseum remained active throughout this time, and it continued to be used for things like animal hunts and gladiatorial combats.

The Roman Coliseum was an important part of the Roman medieval age and during this time, many of the stones that had tumbled away from the main structure during various earthquakes was reused for local churches, hospitals, and palaces. During the middle part of the 1300s, a religious order moved into the Roman Coliseum and inhabited for the next five hundred years. The marble facade was burned to make quicklime while the stone was consistently being carted off for other purposes.

There were plans during the sixteenth century to turn the hulk of the structure into a wool factory, and though there were plans to use it for bullfights, both of these plans fell through. During the middle part of the eighteenth century however, Pope Benedict XIV proclaimed the site to be sacred, due to the fact that early Christians had been martyred there. This stopped the habit of taking stone from the structure and the building was consecrated and declared to be sanctified. While there is no evidence that dates back prior to the 1700s that Christian martyrs died there, it at least prevented the further damage to the building itself.

Today, the Roman Coliseum still stands and is still used as a vital part of the city of Rome. If you are visiting Rome, it can be toured and you will even find that there are regularly events that are held there. Remember, though, that Rome is a busy city and if you want to be a part of it, you are going to need a place to stay! Take some time and make sure that you consider booking th best holiday apartments Rome online well in advance; this can make a huge difference to your comfort during your visit.