The Roman Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum, even 2,000 years after it was built, is today one of the most recognizable of Rome's Classical buildings. Although for centuries the abandoned structure was pillaged for it's building materials, it is still considered an architectural and engineering wonder. Currently, The Roman Colosseum remains as standing proof of both the grandeur and the cruelty of the Roman world.
Books on The Roman Colosseum
The Colosseum's Background
The Colosseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre , is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.Occupying a site just east of the Roman Forum, its construction started between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign (81-96). The name "Amphitheatrum Flavium" derives from both Vespasian's and Titus's family name (Flavius, from the gens Flavia).
Originally capable of seating around 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It remained in use for nearly 500 years with the last recorded games being held there as late as the 6th century. As well as the traditional gladiatorial games, many other public spectacles were held there, such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building eventually ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later....(read more)
Framed Colosseum Photographic Art
An upclose photo of the Colosseum as it stands today.
Additional Colosseum Information
- Rome Hotels
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- Rome in Pictures
- More photos of The Roman Colosseum.
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- More history and Colosseum information.
Virtual Tour
Take a virtual tour of The Colosseum.
Italy travel: St. Peter's Basilica and the Roman Colosseum s
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- Eric Eric Dec 3, 2009 @ 3:31 am
- The Coliseum is one of the most famous Roman monuments, and along with the Pantheon and Trajan's Market, has stood the test of time. Its original purpose was for entertainment, but when it was no longer used as a stadium, it served as housing, workshops, a fortress, and a quarry. As it was damaged and abandoned over long periods of time, it still stands as a prominent piece of Roman architecture. It is constantly being restored and protected so that it may last for years to come. This monument is a good example of how Rome works to preserve its history by repairing and preventing further damage.
This post is one piece to a string of images and coments to bring awareness to the recent earthquake in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Towns such as L'Aquila and Castelvecchio Calvisio are left damaged and crumbled from this unfortunate event. Rome is an example of restoration and preservation not only of architecture and art, but of culture. In this way, Rome can be an example and even help to the Abruzzo region because of its familiarity with these issues. To follow this string, click this link to the next image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22618126@N03/4110284502/in/set-72157622796931841/
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- susannaduffy susannaduffy Jun 23, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
- Wonderfully crafted! Blessed by an angel today
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- Cassandrology Cassandrology May 25, 2009 @ 10:04 pm
- nice content here in your lens lots of pictures and information about the well known historic sites of Rome.
try to visit my lens regarding one of the top tourist destination in the Asia, the Macau
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- Tiddledeewinks Tiddledeewinks May 22, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
- Rome...reminds me of Apostle Paul in the New Testament of the Bible.
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- FantasyDesigns FantasyDesigns May 18, 2009 @ 12:31 am
- Great lens! 5 *'s
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