The ColosseumEily Shaw

CONSTRUCTION

Began in 72 CE, under Emperor Vespasian

Completed in 80 CE, under Emperor Titus

Further modifications in 81-96 CE, under Emperor Domitian

Originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre

FEATURES80 different entrances (Ground level)

Limestone, brick, concrete, marble, bronze and iron clamping and pins, wooden seating (interior)

615 ft. long, 510 ft. wide, 157 ft. tall (base area - 6 acres)

Stadium floor - 287 ft. long, 10 ft. wide, 15 ft. wall

Exterior - arches with a half column on either side

2nd & 3rd floors had statues in each arch

Used to be an awning covering entire colosseum

Outer wall used to completely surround

PURPOSES

Sitting: 40,000

Standing: 70,000

Gladiatorial games, sports competitions, animal hunts and fights, battle re-enactments, mythological dramas, executions, festivals

Occasionally flooded for naval battle re-enactments

HISTORY (1/3)

Built in the spot of a villa of Nero’s

Emperor Vespasian returned the land to the people

Built with money from the booty of the Great Jewish Revolt of 70 CE

Built in centre of Rome - a people’s monument

Admission was free

HISTORY (2/3)Over 9,000 animals killed during inaugural games

Emperor Domitian added underground tunnels to house animals and slaves, a gallery to the top to increase seating

217 CE - Fire destroyed the wooden interior levels

240 CE - Fully repaired

443 CE - Major earthquake, repairs made

435 CE - Last gladiatorial fights

523 CE - Last animal hunts

HISTORY (3/3)

Stopped being used for entertainment in Early Medieval Era

1349 - Earthquake

Stones taken for other buildings - Colosseum not fully repaired

Repurposed as housing, cemetery, Christian shrine

People would steal stone, bronze, statues

Digital rendering of the Classical Era Colosseum

Cross section of Colosseum’s seating

Interior view

Modern day