Colosseum

The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, is one of the most iconic and visited symbols of Rome and the entire Roman civilization. Built in the heart of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum has witnessed a rich and fascinating history, filled with grand spectacles, gladiatorial battles, and public events that have shaped the collective imagination for millennia. Construction of the Colosseum began under Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD under the reign of his son, Titus. The monument was inaugurated with games that lasted 100 days, during which thousands of animals and gladiators are estimated to have been killed. The name “Colosseum” probably derives from the colossal statue of Nero that once stood nearby, although the building is officially known as the Flavian Amphitheater in honor of the Flavian dynasty that built it. Architecturally, the Colosseum is a masterpiece of Roman engineering. With a height of about 50 meters, a length of 189 meters, and a width of 156 meters, the amphitheater could accommodate between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. The exterior structure consists of three orders of overlapping arches, each characterized by a different architectural style: Doric on the lower level, Ionic on the second, and Corinthian on the third. At the fourth level, there were small square windows. To fully appreciate the Colosseum, it is useful to understand the construction techniques used by the Romans. The monument was mainly built with travertine, a type of limestone extracted from the quarries of Tivoli, about 30 km from Rome. The travertine blocks were connected with iron clamps, and the use of arches and vaults allowed for the creation of a stable and resistant structure. The flexibility and innovation in Roman construction techniques are clearly visible in the Colosseum, which remains one of the most extraordinary engineering works of antiquity.