The Coliseum: The Meaning of Great History and Art

The Colosseum or The Coliseum is, without a doubt, the most famous and well-known building in Rome.  Being originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Coliseum is an amphitheater with a capacity of having 50,000 spectators seated.  Formerly, it was utilized in order to house gladiatorial combats, contests that were held between wild animals and men.  This amazing amphitheater was built around 1920 years ago by the Emperor Vespasian and Titus, his son.  When it was opened, 100 days of mere games were comprised in the ceremony that was carried out.  Different to almost the rest of the amphitheaters, the Coliseum is a structure made of concrete and stone.

The Coliseum relies on a great and simply impressive infrastructure and architecture.  Having an elliptical shape, it stands on a two step-base.  Above that, three arcade floors are found.  Since Rome is about 2600 years old, the square that is around the Coliseum is, perhaps, one of the very few places in the city being at the same level as in the ancient times.  In addition, some sections of the floor of arena were made of wood and masonry, having some removable parts designated for the exit or entrance or materials, breasts and scenarios.  Marble decorations were also very common to be around the podium.  When the corridors and stairs were built, one of the main factors that were taken into consideration was the easy accessibility of the public.

After the magnificence during the Imperial times, this amazing building was abandoned.  Nevertheless, that did not mean that it was not used for other purposes.  It acted as a fortress for some medieval clans, very good scenery for some painters, a place in which Christian people could use it to worship, a source of building materials, among others.  These days, in contrast, it is one of the most cheered scenarios for shows and events. Hence, would not you like to be one of those people having the out-of-this-world experience of being face to face to The Coliseum in Rome? Who could say no?