12 Interesting Architectural and Historical Facts about the Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of the finest achievements of Roman architecture ever constructed. The largest Roman amphitheater in the world is still surviving today despite having been severely damaged by numerous human-caused fires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
Emperors Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian, the Flavian Emperors, oversaw the construction of the Colosseum between 70 and 80 AD. This is the reason for the Amphitheatrum Flavium, often known as the Flavian Amphitheater.
It is possible to see Vespasian’s construction of the Colosseum as a populist project. Vespasian, at least in part, ordered the Colosseum in an effort to win back the support of a populace that was dissatisfied with the imperial institution after Nero’s rule. On the location of the man-made lake Nero built as part of the Domus Aurea, planning started in 70 AD and building started in 72 AD.
An estimated 100,000 cubic meters of travertine stone and a comparable volume of Roman cement, bricks, and tuff blocks were used to construct the Colosseum. The limestone variety known as travertine was first quarried in Tibur, which is close to the present-day city of Tivoli.
In addition to the various kinds of stone and cement, the enormous blocks were held together using an estimated 300 tons of iron clamps. When the Colosseum began to deteriorate in later decades, these clamps were scavenged, leaving noticeable pockmarks in the building’s walls.
✰. Due to the enormous Nero statue known as “The Colossus of Nero” that stood at the Domus Aurea’s entrance, the Colosseum’s original name of “Flavian Amphitheatre” was altered to “The Colosseum”.
✰. For a range of events, the Colosseum could accommodate about 50,000 spectators. These featured animal hunts, gladiator fights, and recreations of illustrious wars. Even fake sea battles took place as they filled the Colosseum with water.
✰. The Colosseum was designed as a symbol of Rome’s power. It was one of the biggest and most intricate man-made structures in the world when it was finished.
✰. There were originally four floors, not counting the underground. There used to be beautiful marble statues underneath each of the second and third floors arches — 160 in total. Instead, the fourth storey had square windows with gilded bronze shields set inside of them. The poles that held up the velarium, a system of sails that was operated by expert sailors to shield the spectators from the sun, departed from the top floor.
✰. The Colosseum featured two main entrances: the northwestern Porta Triumphalis, named after the Roman goddess of funerals and burials, Libitina, and the southeastern Porta Libitinaria, which was used for triumphal processions and through which gladiators entered the arena. The bodies of those who died on the sands were taken away through this gate.
✰. A velarium, a style of Roman awning, was present in the Colosseum. This was raised above the seating area to provide shade for the audience and shield them from the hot sun.
✰. The arena included numerous underground corridors and apartments to house wild creatures and gladiators before the games started, in addition to 36 trap doors for dramatic effects.
✰. According to the social class they belonged to, each spectator was given a form of badge at the amphitheater entry that listed their seat number and the entrance door. The most significant individuals, including the Emperor, Vestal Virgins, and distinguished guests, entered through the arches along the main axis. They occupied the front row. The senators, merchants, intermediate groups, and finally women and plebeians were seated after them in an ascending order. Seats are allotted in this manner for events.
✰. If you’re wondering who the gladiators were, they were mainly prisoners of war, slaves, or people who had been sentenced to death, though occasionally there were also free men who were drawn to the glory and prizes. They took their name from the short sword known as the “gladius,” which was employed in battle. The contests started with a parade in which the gladiators rode chariots or marched while standing, accompanied by musicians, until they reached the emperor’s tribune and saluted him with the traditional phrase “Ave Caesar, morituri te salutant,” or “Ave Caesar, those who are preparing to die salute you. If the gladiator was a slave, he was freed after ten triumphs.
✰. The Emperors themselves planned and funded events in the Colosseum in order to gain popularity. All ancient Romans got free admission, and occasionally there was free food served throughout the performances.
✰. Animals were brought in from all around the Roman Empire to compete in the arena. They included bears, rhinos, crocodiles, and large cats like lions and tigers.
✰. Approximately two-thirds of the Colosseum was destroyed by disasters and vandalism. But the earthquakes in 847 AD and 1231 AD caused the most damage that is still visible today.
The Colosseum, unquestionably the most famous building in Italy, brings almost 4 million tourists to Rome each year. But how much do you actually understand? You might not be aware of these 12 architectural and historical facts about the Colosseum. So if you like the content, please share it with your friends.
