Roman Colosseum

Photo courtesy and ©1997  Leo Curran,  Maecenas: Images of Ancient Greece and Rome

The Colosseum is probably the most impressive building of the Roman empire. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it was the largest building of the era.

Felled by an earthquake in 847, the ruins of this monumental structure remains an imposing and beautiful sight.

Ruins of the Roman Colosseum

 The Flavian Amphitheater

Emperor Vespasian, founder of the Flavian Dynasty, started construction of the Colosseum in AD 72. It was completed in AD 80, the year after Vespasian's death.

The huge amphitheater was built on the site of an artificial lake, part of Nero's huge park in the center of Rome which also included the Golden House (Domus Aurea) and the nearby Colossus statue. This giant statue of Nero also gave the building its current name.

The immense Roman Colosseum is an elliptical building 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.

Roman Colosseum as it is now

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 with mechanical devices and cages containing wild animals. The cages could be hoisted, enabling the animals to appear in the middle of the arena. (extracted from http://www.aviewoncities.com)

The Roman Colosseum in Imperial Rome