The Colosseum: History, Architecture, and Significance
The Colosseum
Historical Context
The Colosseum was a gift from Emperor Vespasian to Rome. Vespasian’s reign (69-79 AD) can be characterized by three aspects:
- During his rule, there was an economic revival in Rome.
- He built large public works.
- He reinforced the borders of the Empire.
This amphitheater was commissioned by Vespasian in 72 AD. A year after his death, his son Titus inaugurated the building. However, the opening did not mean it was finished. Vespasian’s second son, Domitian (81-96 AD), completed the highest part. It was the largest building built by the Romans. For half a millennium (500 years), gladiator fights and public performances were held. The last gladiatorial combat was in 438 AD, and the last animal battle was in 523 AD.
It was progressively abandoned. The building suffered three earthquakes and was partially destroyed. It was used as a shelter. One of the last uses was the extraction of its marble for the construction of other buildings.
Formal Description
It has an architraved system and arches. The first three floors are formed by 80 arches on each floor, and the semicircular arches have columns supporting an entablature attached for decoration. This entablature separates each floor. The fourth level is formed by a wall with pillars and small, semi-rectangular windows. The first floor has a combination of Doric and Tuscan orders. The second floor has Ionic, and the third has Corinthian. Around the perimeter of the amphitheater, 240 wooden masts held the velarium, which protected from rain and sun.
Access was granted through the 80 arches of the lower floor, allowing easy access and exit. It was distributed through tiers. Access from the inner corridors to the stands was made through the vomitorium.
Below the subsoil (not visible) was where the animals and slaves were kept before leaving. The hypogeum is a building or underground excavation in the form of galleries and corridors. The subsoil space is made of bricks where there were various rooms and cells where the beasts were kept. There were several platforms that brought the animals up. In the basement, there was a system to transform the arena into a large pool by driving in water.
Meaning and Function
Many free shows were celebrated at the amphitheater: fights between gladiators, fights with wild animals called venationes, and fights between gladiators and wild animals. Historical battles and naumachiae (mock naval battles) were recreated. Plays were also performed. The capacity of the amphitheater was between 50,000 and 70,000 people, seated according to status. Those who were near the arena were emperors and senators, and those further away were from lower social classes.
Another function, besides entertainment, was political propaganda, with the idea of glorifying the emperor and giving an image of a benefactor.
Models and Influences
This was an original Roman construction. They used the architrave, an Etruscan influence. This construction served as a model for all the amphitheaters that were made later, such as the one in Tarragona, the Theatre of Marcellus (which influenced its construction), and also the Rucellai and Barberini Palaces (Baroque). The amenities and facilities of the subsoil were used as a model for other amphitheaters. For example, it influenced the design of modern football fields. These influences have lasted until today.