 Colosseo |
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| In the first century AD, the Amphitheatrum Flavium, a.k.a. Colosseum or Coliseum (though in antiquity Romans referred to it as to Amphitheatrum Caesareum or hunting theater), was erected as a gift to the Roman citizens. Vespasian started construction of the Coliseum in 72 AD in the grounds of Emperor Nero's (37-68 AD) private residence, Domus Aurea, and his son Titus inaugurated it in 80 AD. Over 160 ft high with eighty entrances, the Coliseum could hold upwards of 50,000 spectators. Public events such as gladiator fights, mock naval battles and wild animal hunts were held at the Coliseum. From the fourth story of the Coliseum wooden masts supported a linen awning that protected spectators from the sun. The Coliseum boasted seats of marble for the upper class, and benches of wood for the lower. |
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Italy > Roma
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| Emperors used the Colosseum to entertain the public with free games. Those games were a symbol of prestige and power and they were a way for an emperor to increase his popularity. Games were held for a whole day or even several days in a row. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Italy > Roma
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| The elliptical building is immense, measuring 188m by 156m and reaching a height of more than 48 meter (159 ft). The Colosseum could accommodate some 55,000 spectators who could enter the building through no less than 80 entrances. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Italy > Roma
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| Above the ground are four storeys, the upper storey contained seating for lower classes and women. The lowest storey was preserved for prominent citizens. Below the ground were rooms and cages containing wild animals and mechanical devices. The cages could be hoisted, enabling the animals to appear in the middle of the arena. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Italy > Roma
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| Titus, Vespasian's successor, held hundred-day games to mark the inauguration of the building in 80 A.D. In the process, some 9,000 wild animals were slaughtered. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Italy > Roma
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| The Colosseum was covered with an enormous awning known as the velarium. This protected the spectators from the sun. It was attached to large poles on top of the Colosseum and anchored to the ground by large ropes. A team of some 1,000 men was used to install the awning. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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