A great Stadium in Rome - The Colosseum

by Sarah Dudleymore

The “Flavian Amphitheater”, also known as the Colosseum, is capable of seating 55,000 spectators. Deadly gladiatorial and wild animals fights were staged for free by the emperor and wealthy citizens for the masses.

The Emperor Vespasian commissioned it between 70 and 72 AD. The Colosseum was completed in 80 AD by Domitian, his son. There was a colossus (a very tall statue) of Nero near the site of Nero’s enormous palace, from which legend says the Colosseum’s name was originated from. In the famous ‘fire of Rome’ it was later destroyed .

The Colosseum was cleverly designed. It has been said that most today’s stadiums, and structures alike have been inspired by the concepts introduced in the Colosseum’s building structure, even in modern times. It could be evacuated in nearly in five minutes.

One of the most incredible parts of the Colosseum was its cooling system. It was roofed using a canvas covered by a structure made of ropes, with a hole in the midlle to provide a breeze for the romans attending the game.

The “vomitoria” is a passageway that leads to a row of seats from below or behind. This technique was used so that the massive venue could fill in 15 minutes. (The Colosseum has 80 gates at ground level, 76 for general public and 4 for the imperial family.) Such an architectural development is amazing for that time. The Colosseum itslef is also of very beautiful and well designed.

In the Middle Ages, it turned into a fortress and some marble was used to make quicklime. In the Renaissance and in the Baroque age, the most important Roman families (from which many Popes of the Catholic Church were belonging) used Colosseum’s as a source of marble for the construction of St. Peters Basilica in Vatican.

Colosseum area is now a beautiful and lively neighborhood in Rome, in the very city center and walking distance from any other top tourist attraction in Rome.

About the Author:

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.