Introduction
The Colosseum is one of the most recognizable architectural miracles in the world. It is located in the center of Rome, Italy, and represents the largest ancient amphitheater that survived. The site for its building was carefully chosen in a low valley between the Caelian, Esquiline, and Palatine Hills to ensure a flat area for the stability of the construction. Oval, made of travertine construction, is used for a variety of functions, such as a gladiator arena or touristic entertainment, always being a significant part of the city. Despite its age and the fact of the countless natural disasters, such as the fires and the earthquakes, the Colosseum remains to represent Rome and Italy, serving as its iconic symbol. Moreover, it is deservedly considered one of the seven wonders of the world due to its uniqueness, both in terms of architecture and background. This essay is dedicated to the research on this architectural construction through its creation, purpose at different times, physical characteristics, including the style and the materials, and historical significance.
Main body
It is most often argued that the creation of the Colosseum was inaugurated by the emperor Vespasian approximately in 70-72 AD and was commissioned from the plunder of Jerusalem by Titus, his son (Hopkins, 2). The enslaved Jews allegedly did the construction itself. The official name of the building is the Flavian Amphitheatre, in honor of the Flavian dynasty, whose founder was Vespasian. One of his most outstanding achievements was implementing the extensive architecture program, including Colosseum, which was a present to Roman citizens. Titus and Dominion, the successors of Vespasian, were famous for finishing the amphitheater after almost ten years of its building (Roth). As the elder son earned glory as an outstanding military commander, the Colosseum was also perceived as a commemoration of the Roman victories during his reign. Dominion, in turn, improved the building through the construction of the hypogeum, hence, completing the final version of the Colosseum that partly survived till modern days. Therefore, each of the three rulers made a special contribution to the splendor of this building.
To begin the examination of the Colosseum, it is essential to understand the practical use of the buildings from ancient times till nowadays. As it was initially planned as an amphitheater, the Romans used it for different shows — for instance, the venationes – hunts and the munera – gladiatorial games (Gabucci and Coarelli 78). Although being an expensive attraction, the emperors organized these events to earn the love and favor of their citizens. Having endured an enormous number of disasters, the Colosseum had served this purpose for four and a half centuries (Gabucci and Coarelli 135). Afterward, its glory receded, and during the Middle Ages, the amphitheater was rather “a quarry than a monument” (Hopkins 160). Furthermore, some scholars argue that the Colosseum became a stage for Christian martyrs – the execution because of their beliefs (Hassett). Still, the evidence is insufficient to prove the fact that the Christian persecutions related to the amphitheater. Nowadays, the Colosseum captivates millions of tourists: for instance, in 2019 – the last year before the pandemic – approximately 7.6 million people visited the building (Statista). These findings have important implications for the broader understanding of the significance of the Colosseum throughout the years: from the intended use as the amphitheater in ancient Rome to the main touristic attraction nowadays.
The physical characteristics of the building, such as the design, the materials, and the methods used for its creation, deserve special attention. Three out of four flours presented statue-filled arches – Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns, respectively (Richmond et al.). The arches have several meanings: they allowed such a size of the building whereas demonstrating the lightness (Ulrich and Quenemoen 292). The oval wall is made of travertine and marble paving, combined with concrete vaults and tuff blocks, using iron clamps for holding the elements together (Lancaster 62). Travertine and tuff were predominantly used at stress points as these materials do not tend to deform in contrast to concrete (Lancaster 70). Interior seating provided a capacity for 50,000 spectators and was strictly divided according to the social status of a spectator (Ulrich and Quenemoen 290). Amongst the engineering features, vela – a tent protecting the citizens from the sun, and hypogeum – substructures beneath the stage, used for the access of participants to the stage, constructed by Dominican, are to mention (Ulrich and Quenemoen 295). Hence, the Colosseum proves to be a notable architectural creation of its time, using innovative technologies and solutions.
Exploring the historical background of the amphitheater, it is especially interesting to consider the reasons for the origin of the name, the partial destruction of its façade, and the significance of the building. Firstly, it is worth mentioning that before the Colosseum, the site was the private property of Nero, the fifth emperor of Rome, with the lace and the Colossus of Nero towering nearby. Thus, the name of the amphitheater is widely supposed to be inspired by this statue (Roth). Referring to the countless damages, including natural disasters and human mistreatment, special attention should be paid to the major fire of 217 when the upper part of the Colosseum was destroyed for the first time. In 1349 another natural calamity – the earthquake – collapsed the south side of the building. Still, all the challenges did not undermine the significance of the Colosseum. The structure of the building can be perceived as triumphal arches to commemorate the victory over the Jews, hence, representing the power and might of the empire (Hassett). All in all, the Colosseum has always been a significant monument and the symbol of might and history for the Roman citizens and the whole of Italy now.
Conclusion
To conclude, throughout the literature, it is generally agreed that the Colosseum can be perceived as one of the most outstanding manufactured architectural creations of all time. Taking into account the different purposes it served, its innovative physical characteristics, and its historical background, it is undoubtful that the amphitheater remains one of the main symbols of the empire’s former glory. It was one of the most impressive buildings at the age of its construction and, despite the challenges, survived in the same status till modern times. Nowadays, the Colosseum continues to represent the state and function as a significant source of revenue from the tourism perspective and, at the same time, inspires architects for new accomplishments. It is rightfully credited to the New 7 Wonders of the world, chosen by people all around the globe. Notably, the Italians are also proud of their architectural creation and captured its image on the five-cent euro coins.
Works Cited
Gabbucci, Ada and Filippo Coarelli. Il Colosseo. Milano: Electa, 1999.
Hassett, Maurice. The Coliseum. The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1908.
Hopkins, Keith. The Colosseum. Harvard University Press, 2005. Iliff, David. “Colosseum in Rome, Italy.” Wikimedia Commons, 2007.
Lancaster, Lynne. “The Process of Building the Colosseum: the Site, Materials, and Construction Techniques.” Journal of Roman Archaeology, vol. 18, 2005, pp. 57–82.
“Number of visitors to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill archaeological park in Rome in Italy from 2012 to 2020.” Statista. 2021, Web.
Richmond, Archibald et al. Colosseum. Oxford University Press, 1998.
Roth, Leland M. Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History and Meaning. Westview Press, 1993.
Ulrich, Roger and Caroline Quenemoen. A Companion to Roman Architecture. Wiley Blackwell, 2014.