Rome - this is a unique city not only in Italy, but also in Europe as a whole. It is difficult to imagine a person who would not have heard about him and his main attraction - Flavian amphitheater, aka Ancient coliseum. In this article, we will figure out what the Colosseum is famous for and for what purpose it was used in Ancient Rome. In addition, let's go through the main historical points: who built and who destroyed, what the Colosseum symbolizes and what kind of architecture it has. There will also be a selection of useful travel tips on excursions and the nuances of visiting, and of course list of interesting facts about this Italian attraction.
Historical summary
The construction of the Colosseum began in 72. Emperor Vespasian and completed in 80 by Emperor Titus. There were no structures of this size and capacity, by the way, the arena was designed for 50+ thousand spectators in the world at that time. In order to build this colossal object, Titus Flavius Vespasian attracted huge resources. As human - about 100 prisoners and slaves were sent to the construction and extraction of travertine. So is the money - according to rumors, the emperor spent almost all the wealth obtained in battles and wars with Judea. After the grand opening, the long and bloody history of the legendary Colosseum began - the arena of painful deaths for gladiators and animals. The phenomenon of this place and the motto “Meal'n'Real” will be studied throughout further history.
Bloody spectacles continued in the arena until the end of the 5th century, until Christian traditions forced the emperors to change their approaches and abandon mortal combat. This is how the decline of the Roman Colosseum began, which only intensified with barbarian raids, cataclysms and the devastation of the treasury. The symbol of the greatness and power of Rome has cracked.
Interesting options excursions in Rome.
For some time, the arcades of the arena became a kind of apartment for low-income citizens of Rome, and the site where gladiator battles used to thunder was a cemetery.
Starting from the 11th century, the powerful Romans tried to restore the importance of the Colosseum and make it a real fortress, but Emperor Henry VII did not share such views. Having not found a compromise, the huge arena continued to stand idle, periodically being destroyed by earthquakes.
To make matters worse, over the following centuries, the Colosseum was dismantled for building materials.
Perhaps if Pope Benedict XIV did not defend this historical complex in the middle of the 18th century, then this landmark of Rome would not have existed at all.
Interesting Facts
- The main attraction of Rome was included in the list of 7 New Wonders of the World in July 2007.
- The ruins of the Flavian Amphitheater are located on the site where the pond of the Golden House of Emperor Nero, the predecessor of Titus Vespasian, was located.
- The Colosseum is a monument to boundless violence. According to researchers and historians, more than 1 animals were brutally killed and tortured in the arena.
- Gladiators, (voluntary and not) found their death in this place, there were about 400 thousand.
- The craving of the Romans for violence and sophistication is amazing. On the stage of the Colosseum were even held naumachia - These are dramatizations of naval battles, for which they raised the water level in the arena.
- The Colosseum is unrealistically popular among tourists visiting Italy, but still takes second place. The most popular is the Vatican with St. Peter's Basilica.
- In ancient Rome, there were other "Coliseums", of course, inferior in size to the capital.
- The fights in the arena of the Colosseum were called "Games", and the longest lasted as much as 123 days.
- At the beginning of the 20th century, an idea appeared to rebuild the Roman Colosseum into a luxury hotel, but the Second World War began and this idea sunk into oblivion.
Right next to the walls of the Flavian Amphitheater, you can see another unique Roman attraction - Triumphal Arch of Constantine.
Excursions and visits to the Colosseum
As you might guess, the entrance to the territory is paid, but this is not the only problem. There are a lot of people here during the season, so you should prepare for the queues. Tickets can be purchase online - usually included is the passage to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine, and for an additional fee it is possible to take an audio guide and access to the arena itself. Prices start from 20 euros.
If you want to know the history of Ancient Rome and this building in particular, you should order a guide, see options.
The Colosseum is located in the very center and heart of Rome, it is difficult to pass by. If you go by public transport, it is better to take the metro, get off at Colosseo stations, below is the point with the location of the attraction on the map:
Seeing Rome in one day is an unrealistic task, the city is so full of ancient temples and palaces that you just get lost. Therefore, I advise you to plan a trip to the capital of Italy for at least a few days. Read a hotel review The Republic, suddenly this is what you were looking for, and also take note of another Roman landmark - Baths of Caracalla.
