Rome - The Colosseum

It is still the largest standing amphitheater ever built and building was started some 2,000 years ago, way back around 70 AD.  The Colosseum is built of travertine limestone, tuff (volcanic rock), and brick-faced concrete. It could hold an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators at various points in its history, having an average audience of some 65,000; it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles including animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Roman mythology, and briefly mock sea battles. 

Although substantially ruined by earthquakes and stone robbers, the Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and was listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Dianne and I toured the ancient ruin.  The engineering, for the time, was first rate.  One has to wonder how the huge marble stones were placed so high in the air.  Thousands of slaves from conquered lands were central to building the Colosseum.

Note the huge marble stones used in the construction.  There are iron rods holding the blocks of stone in place.

In the photo below you can see the area under the Colosseum where the gladiators and animals were staged for competition.  They came up to the floor via elevators.  Note the floor has been restored over about 1/4 of the original area.  Also, note how high the sides were constructed. 

The marble came from 20 miles west of Rome, at a places Carrara and Tivoli.  When we passed by, the mountains looked like they were snow covered.

However, the white surface is marble.  Note the blocks of mined marble below.

The Colosseum was to be a gift to the Roman citizens, a massive breath-taking structure that conveyed the wealth, might and power of Rome, showing exotic, wild animals from all corners of the Roman Empire, showing off the extent of Rome’s conquests of different countries.  There was never a charge to enter the Colosseum.

How many people died in the Colosseum?  It is impossible to know with certainty, but it is believed that as many as 400,000, between gladiators, slaves, convicts, prisoners, and myriad other entertainers, perished in the Colosseum over the 350 or so years during which it was used for human bloodsports and spectacles.  The Colosseum had been completed up to the third story by the time of Vespasian's death in 79. The top level was finished by his son, Titus, in 80, and the inaugural games were held in 80 or 81 AD. Dio Cassius recounts that over 9,000 wild animals were killed during the inaugural games of the amphitheater.

How many animals were killed in the Colosseum?  It is impossible to know exactly, but based on accounts that described hunts and spectacles and estimates on the number of events held, it is believed that the number is well into the millions. This is unconfirmed, but it is said the Colosseum was responsible for the eradication of certain species of animals from nearby regions.

Were gladiators slaves?  Not officially, but in practice they might as well have been. They were member of the infame class, and upon becoming gladiators (whether by choice or as punishment for a crime) they were stripped of all their rights and became property of their owners, their lives forfeit.

Entrance to the Colosseum was free to all Roman citizens because the emperors used the games as a method of controlling the citizenry.  The common man held the power of life (thumbs up) or death (thumbs down) during the games.  However, executions were held just prior to the main events.  The message was clear, enjoy the games, but remember to keep your place.