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The Colosseum in Rome
stands today as a symbol of the mighty Roman Empire. It is probably the
most famous ancient ruin in the world along with the Pyramids of Egypt.
The Colosseum was known in ancient Rome as the Flavian Amphitheatre, named
after the 3 emperors who were all involved in its construction. Vespasian
conceived the idea and began building in 72 AD and his son Titus dedicated
it in 80 AD with a 100 day festival. This included bloody gladiator
combats, wild animals, and huge naval battles with the arena filled with
water. The Colosseum was totally finished during the reign of Domitian
(81-96 AD).
The Colosseum is a marvel of architectural
engineering, it was built with giant travertine blocks, layered with soft
stones and concrete. It was originally overlayed with marble but that was
looted over the centuries. Its magnificent columns were made of the Doric,
Ionic, and Corinthian orders.
The mammoth Colosseum measures 620 feet by
513 feet, 1/3 of a mile around. The 6 acre building contained 3 tiers of
seats, 80 entrances, seated 50,000 spectators, resembling the size and
capacity of the Houston Astrodome.
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