The Colosseum is also kwown as the "Flavian Amphitheater" and has a 55,000 spectators seating capacity. Fights with gladiators and wild animals were staged free of charge by the emperor and by rich citizens for public viewing.
The Emperor Vespasian commissioned it between 70 and 72 AD. The Colosseum was completed in 80 AD by Domitian, his son. There was a colossus (a very tall statue) of Nero near the site of Nero's enormous palace, from which legend says the Colosseum's name was originated from. In the famous 'fire of Rome' it was later destroyed .
The Colosseum was cleverly designed. It has been said that most today's stadiums, and structures alike have been inspired by the concepts introduced in the Colosseum's building structure, even in modern times. It could be evacuated in nearly in five minutes.
The most inventive part of the Colosseum was its cooling system. It was roofed using a canvas covered net-like structure made of ropes, with a hole in the center to provide a breeze for the audience.
Another nifty feature the Colosseum had was a "vomitoria" - a passageway that opens into a row of seats from below or behind. The vomitoria of the Colosseum in Rome were designed so that the massive venue could fill in 15 minutes. (There were 80 entrances at ground level, 76 for ordinary spectators and 4 for the imperial family.) A true magnificent architectural development for its time. It's a also a building of great beauty and design.
During the Middle Ages, the Colosseum was converted into a fortress and the marble was burned used to make quicklime. During the Renaissance period, but mostly in the Baroque age, the ruling Roman families (from which many Popes of the Catholic Church came from) used it as a source of marble for the construction of St. Peters Basilica you see today.
Colosseum area is now a beautiful and lively neighborhood in Rome, in the very city center and walking distance from any other top tourist attraction in Rome. - 15266
The Emperor Vespasian commissioned it between 70 and 72 AD. The Colosseum was completed in 80 AD by Domitian, his son. There was a colossus (a very tall statue) of Nero near the site of Nero's enormous palace, from which legend says the Colosseum's name was originated from. In the famous 'fire of Rome' it was later destroyed .
The Colosseum was cleverly designed. It has been said that most today's stadiums, and structures alike have been inspired by the concepts introduced in the Colosseum's building structure, even in modern times. It could be evacuated in nearly in five minutes.
The most inventive part of the Colosseum was its cooling system. It was roofed using a canvas covered net-like structure made of ropes, with a hole in the center to provide a breeze for the audience.
Another nifty feature the Colosseum had was a "vomitoria" - a passageway that opens into a row of seats from below or behind. The vomitoria of the Colosseum in Rome were designed so that the massive venue could fill in 15 minutes. (There were 80 entrances at ground level, 76 for ordinary spectators and 4 for the imperial family.) A true magnificent architectural development for its time. It's a also a building of great beauty and design.
During the Middle Ages, the Colosseum was converted into a fortress and the marble was burned used to make quicklime. During the Renaissance period, but mostly in the Baroque age, the ruling Roman families (from which many Popes of the Catholic Church came from) used it as a source of marble for the construction of St. Peters Basilica you see today.
Colosseum area is now a beautiful and lively neighborhood in Rome, in the very city center and walking distance from any other top tourist attraction in Rome. - 15266
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When planning a trip to Rome, check out some of the most beautiful Apartments in Rome in Colosseum Area and enjoy living a true roman experience in comfortable and large accommodations. If you plan to see more of Italy, also visit the The Key to Italy web site, which features accommodations in the romantic city of Venice, and in the beautiful countryside hills of Tuscany.
