The Colosseum, Rome PDF
The Colosseum is an amphitheater located in Ancient Rome. Although other similar amphitheaters
were constructed around this time, the Colosseum was the largest ever built. Commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian, the monument was completed by his son Titus.
The place on which it was constructed was actually the site of Nero’s palace. A huge bronze statue of Nero was set near the monument in the second century A.D. The Colosseum has around 80 arched entrances. It was used as a venue for entertainment, including battles of the gladiators, animals, and public executions.
The arena had a huge wooden floor coated with sand. The subterranean passages were composed of a series of tunnels that were used for the entry of the wild beasts used in the fights in the arena. Some of the tunnels were also used to store equipment used during the fights.
The slaves, prisoners of war or sentenced criminals generally became Roman gladiators. A majority of them were male. All people irrespective of their class, whether rich or poor, attended these combats. Even the Emperor frequently attended these fights. So many contests were held in a single day that if the ground got drenched with blood, fresh sand was poured over the surface and the fights carried on.
As gladiators fought, vicious cries and curses were heard from the audience around the Roman Colosseum. These games were put to a halt when Christianity progressively influenced the rulers to stop the parts of the contests which involved loss of human life.
The structure has become iconic of Rome, and is visited by tourists from around the world. Many visitors take guided tours inside the Colosseum to learn about the events that took place there.
The Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino) was built to commemorate the victory of Constantine over Maxentius at Pons Milvius. This 25-meter high structure was built in 315 AD.
Location Map of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy
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