The Colosseum – A Brief History

Also known as Coliseum, this amphitheatre was built by the Flavian rulers as a gift for the people of Rome to win their favor. The choice of an amphitheatre was logical, for the Romans loved their games and the only other amphitheatre in the city was small and falling into disrepair. For the next four hundred years, the Colosseum and its surroundings were dedicated to the running of the games till the colossal expenses of organizing the games became too much for the city to cope with. The late 6th century saw a decline in the reign of the Colosseum and it gradually adapted itself to several other purposes during the middle ages.

The origins of the name 'Colosseum' are not quite clear and many credit it to the colossal statue of Nero seen on the grounds of the amphitheatre today. In the past, Romans were also believed to have referred to it fondly as Amphitheatrum Caesaerum which may have been shortened over time to Colosseum. The original name of the site was Amphitheatrum Flavian, named after the ruling dynasty that constructed it

Games at the Colosseum

The Games were a beloved ritual of the Roman citizens, and emperors and nobility were required to organize them periodically to maintain and improve their social footing with the common man. These were also often used as a tactic to distract the attention of the masses away from political moves and matters of state. While it is gladiator battles that we most associate with the Colosseum today, popular games of the day included chariot races, animal hunts, staging of sea battles and enactments of dramas, mythological events and other stories.

Architecture of the Colosseum

The Colosseum bears an elliptical shape and is roughly 615 feet long and 510 feet wide. The basic design of the amphitheatre comprises of three floors of successive arches topped by a fourth floor attic pin pricked with windows. It held a total of 80 entrances to enable an estimated 50,000 spectators a quick passage in and out of the theatre, while still maintain a class distinction. Spectators were obligated to produce tickets to enter the venue, very similar to the ones of today, bearing a specific door number, row number and seat number. Inside, the arena measured 272 by 280 feet and contained a floor made up of wooden planks. The wooden floor was covered with sand and hid an elaborate underground structure of two floors where gladiators and animals were held prior to the beginning of the show.

The Colosseum today

Over the centuries, the Colosseum has suffered severe damage through repeated earthquakes, and today, its partially broken façade has become the iconic image most associated with Rome. It is the biggest tourist attraction in Italy and has been the site of constant restoration since the 1980s. Its interiors are too damaged for it is to be used as a venue for any major event today but millions of visitors stop by every year to witness the site of the legendary Roman games and imagine the splendor and glory of this amphitheatre in its heyday.