The Colosseum, originally known as the "Flavian Amphitheater", capable of seating 55,000 spectators. Deadly gladiatorial combats and wild animals fights were staged free of charge by the emperor and wealthy citizens for public viewing.
Commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 AD, it was completed in 80 AD by his son Domitian. It was built on a marshy site of a lake near Nero's enormous palace, there was a very tall statue (a colossus) of Nero nearby, from which legend says the Colosseum's name was originated from. Later it was destroyed in the great fire of Rome.
The Colosseum was designed in such a clever way that it has been said that most today's stadiums have been inspired by the concepts introduced in the Colosseum's building structure. In less than finve minutes it could have been evacuated.
The Colosseum had a very innovative cooling system for that time. It was roofed using a canvas covered net-like structure made of ropes, it had a hole in the center to provide a breeze for the people attending.
The Colosseum also had a feature called "vomitoria" - a passageway that leads to a row of seats from below or behind. The vomitoria of the Colosseum in Rome were designed so that the massive venue could fill in 15 minutes. (80 gates at ground level, 76 for general public and 4 for the imperial family.) An incredibly magnificent architectural development for its time. The building itself is also of great beauty and design.
During the Middle Ages, the Colosseum was converted into a fortress and the marble was burned used to make quicklime. During the Renaissance period, but mostly in the Baroque age, the ruling Roman families (from which many Popes of the Catholic Church came from) used it as a source of marble for the construction of St. Peters Basilica you see today.
Colosseum area is also a very popular and lively spot in Rome, with lots of typical restaurants, cafes, pubs and wine bars. - 15432
Commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 AD, it was completed in 80 AD by his son Domitian. It was built on a marshy site of a lake near Nero's enormous palace, there was a very tall statue (a colossus) of Nero nearby, from which legend says the Colosseum's name was originated from. Later it was destroyed in the great fire of Rome.
The Colosseum was designed in such a clever way that it has been said that most today's stadiums have been inspired by the concepts introduced in the Colosseum's building structure. In less than finve minutes it could have been evacuated.
The Colosseum had a very innovative cooling system for that time. It was roofed using a canvas covered net-like structure made of ropes, it had a hole in the center to provide a breeze for the people attending.
The Colosseum also had a feature called "vomitoria" - a passageway that leads to a row of seats from below or behind. The vomitoria of the Colosseum in Rome were designed so that the massive venue could fill in 15 minutes. (80 gates at ground level, 76 for general public and 4 for the imperial family.) An incredibly magnificent architectural development for its time. The building itself is also of great beauty and design.
During the Middle Ages, the Colosseum was converted into a fortress and the marble was burned used to make quicklime. During the Renaissance period, but mostly in the Baroque age, the ruling Roman families (from which many Popes of the Catholic Church came from) used it as a source of marble for the construction of St. Peters Basilica you see today.
Colosseum area is also a very popular and lively spot in Rome, with lots of typical restaurants, cafes, pubs and wine bars. - 15432
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When planning a trip to Rome, check out some of the most beautiful Apartments in Rome in Colosseum Area and enjoy living a true roman experience in comfortable and large accommodations. If you plan to see more of Italy, also visit the The Key to Italy web site, which features accommodations in the romantic city of Venice, and in the beautiful countryside hills of Tuscany.
