Description

The Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, or simply as Amphitheatrum, is the most famous Roman amphitheater, and is located in the center of the city of Rome. Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, is the largest and most important Roman amphitheater, and the most imposing monument of ancient Rome that has come down to us.

The amphitheater was built on an area to the eastern boundary of the Roman Forum. Its construction was begun by Vespasian in 72 AD and was inaugurated by Titus in 80 AD, with further changes made during the reign of Domitian. No longer in use after the sixth century, the huge structure was reused in various ways over the centuries, even as a quarry for material. The name “Colosseum”, which derives from the nearby statue of the Colossus of the Sun God (adaptation of the Colossus of Nero), became widespread only in the Middle Ages. Soon the building became a symbol of the imperial city, the expression of an ideology in which the celebration will come to define models for the entertainment of the people. Today is a city landmark and one of its major tourist attractions.

It was used for gladiatorial shows and other public events (shows hunting, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology). The tradition wants that the place of martyrdom of Christians is unfounded. Articulates the architectural concepts and construction of the first Roman Imperial Age, based respectively on the curved line and enveloping offered by elliptical and complexity of building systems. Arches and vaults are chained together in a close structural relationship.

The building forms an ellipse of 527 m in perimeter, with axes measuring 187.5 m to 156.5 m. The arena inside measures 86 m by 54 m, with an area of ​​3,357 m². The current height reaches 48.5 m, but originally came to 52 m.

The Coliseum, as the historical center of Rome, was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. In 2007 the complex was also included among the Seven Wonders of the World as part of a controversial competition.