Coliseum. Flavian Amphitheater (Colosseum. Amphitheatrum Flavium). Roman Colosseums of the world Opening of the Colosseum

The world's most famous ruin, the hallmark of ancient Rome, the Colosseum may never have been built if Vespasian had not decided to eradicate traces of the reign of his predecessor Nero. As part of this program, on the site of the pond with swans that decorated the Golden Palace, a grand amphitheater for 70,000 spectators was erected - the largest circus in the Empire. The games in honor of its opening (in 80 AD) continued non-stop for 100 days; During this time, 2,000 gladiators and 5,000 wild animals tore each other to pieces and slaughtered them. Our review contains the most interesting and little-known facts about one of the main attractions of Rome.

1. Colosseum - "Flavian amphitheater"

The Colosseum was built around 70 AD. Emperor Vespasian, and it was discovered by his son Titus in 80 AD. Vespasian and his sons Titus and Domitian (who reigned 81-96) belonged to the Flavian dynasty. Therefore, the Colosseum was often called the “Flavian amphitheater”.

2. Giant statue of Nero at the Colosseum

Nero, who went down in history for his despotism and the murder of his family, ordered the construction of a giant bronze statue in his honor near the site where the Colosseum was later built. The statue was made on the model of the Colossus of Rhodes, its height exceeded 30 meters, and it was named the Colossus of Nero. It is because of this statue that the Colosseum got its name.

3. The Colosseum was built on the site of a former lake

Nero's pleasure palace, the so-called "Golden House" (Domus Aurea), was built after a fire in 64 (a number of buildings in Rome burned down and a lot of free space became available). There was an artificial lake near the palace. After Nero's suicide in 68 and a short period of civil war, Vespasian became emperor in 69, after which the Golden House was destroyed. In its place the Baths of Trajan were built. The lake was filled in, and the Colosseum began to be built in its place.

4. The Colosseum was built in just 10 years

After the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD, Vespasian used some of the spoils from the Temple of Jerusalem to begin work on an amphitheater for Roman citizens. Although Vespasian died before construction was completed, his son Titus completed the Colosseum.

5. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built

The Colosseum was built from concrete and stone, unlike most amphitheaters of the time, which were simply dug into the hillsides. The elliptical structure is 188 meters long, 155 meters wide and 48 meters high, making it the largest amphitheater in the world.

6. The amphitheater had sectors for different classes

Although the Colosseum was intended for all Roman citizens, both rich and poor, spectators were seated in different sectors based on their social status and wealth.

7. The Colosseum could seat 50,000 people

The width of each seat was about 35 centimeters, but there was always excitement during gladiator fights.

8. Fights between gladiators were carefully planned

For more than four centuries, thousands of slaves, prisoners of war, criminals, ex-servicemen and even volunteers fought in the Colosseum for the entertainment of the Romans. The fights were not chaotic at all, but somewhat similar to modern boxing - gladiators were carefully classified according to their height, strength, experience, skill level and fighting style.

9. The Colosseum became a cemetery for thousands of animals

Along with fighting between humans, the Romans also fought with animals such as elephants, tigers, lions, bears, hippopotamuses, etc. During the opening ceremony of the Colosseum, 9,000 animals were killed, and during the 123-day festival held by Emperor Trajan , 11,000 animals died.

10. Naval battles were held in the Colosseum

Before the underground floor was built during Domitian's time to house equipment, animals, fighters and workers of the Colosseum, the arena was periodically flooded to a depth of about a meter to stage naval battles (naumachia). A special aqueduct was used to supply water.

11. The building has been abandoned for centuries

After gladiatorial combat lost its appeal and the Roman Empire fell in the 5th century, the Colosseum ceased to be the site of major public events and was subsequently partially destroyed by an earthquake and lightning strike. It was abandoned until the 18th century, when the Catholic Church decided that such a site should be preserved.

12. The Colosseum was partially stolen for construction materials

The beautiful marble used in the Colosseum attracted looters and builders who began removing stone from the former amphitheater to build St. John's Basilica, the Lateran Basilica, the Palazzo Venezia, and numerous other projects.

13. They wanted to set up a wool factory in the Colosseum

The hypogeum (underground floor) was eventually filled with dirt and earth, and over the centuries the Romans planted their vegetable gardens there and used the space for cellars, while blacksmiths and merchants used the vaulted passages above. Pope Sixtus V, who helped rebuild Rome in the late 16th century, planned to rebuild the Colosseum into a wool factory. But after the death of Sixtus in 1590, this project was abandoned.

14. The most attractive place in Rome for tourists

Along with the Vatican and its shrines, the Colosseum is the second most visited site in Italy and the most visited monument in Rome. About six million tourists visit the amphitheater every year. A two-day ticket to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill costs 12 euros (about $13).

15. The Colosseum was partially restored

Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini announced a $20 million renovation of the Colosseum that will include rebuilding the arena floor. And in 2013, billionaire Diego Della Valle committed $33 million to renovate the Colosseum, which included repairing the arches, cleaning the marble, restoring the brick walls, replacing metal railings, and building a new visitor center and cafe.

Once in Italy, it is worth visiting, free entry to which was opened not so long ago.

Many historical monuments have been preserved, but the most extraordinary of them is the Colosseum, in which people doomed to death desperately fought and died for the entertainment of free citizens of Rome. It became the largest and most famous of all Roman amphitheatres, and one of the greatest masterpieces of Roman engineering and architecture that has survived to this day. The building had 80 entrances and exits and could seat approximately 50,000 spectators - more than most sports venues today, a testament to its greatness almost 2,000 years after its completion. Having eclipsed with its grandeur the ruins of the Roman Forum (the central square in Ancient Rome), the Pantheon and other attractions of the city, the Roman Colosseum will forever remind visitors of the inhuman past, when the thirst for blood brought spectators to the stands of this building, and nothing excited them so much as deprivation person of life.

The Colosseum is Italy's most famous and most visited tourist attraction, the world's largest structure built during the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the greatest structures in the world of engineering and architecture, an iconic symbol of the Roman Empire during its greatest period of power, and the most famous and instantly recognizable monument preserved from antiquity. Even in today's world of skyscrapers, the Colosseum is impressive. It is a glorious and at the same time mournful monument to Roman imperial power and its cruelty. Inside, behind close-knit rows of arches and columns, the Romans for centuries coolly watched the murder of tens of thousands of condemned criminals, captured warriors, slaves, and animals. Almost two thousand years later, it still attracts great interest from visitors.

History of the Colosseum

The Colosseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre. Its modern name (Colosseum in English) is derived from the word colossus, meaning a huge statue (next to the Colosseum stood a huge statue of Nero, which disappeared without a trace in the Middle Ages). As befits the largest city in the empire, it became the largest amphitheater in the Roman world, capable of seating 50,000 spectators. In total, there were more than 250 of them in the Roman Empire - it is not surprising that the amphitheater and associated spectacles were the main symbols of Roman culture.

Unlike most other amphitheatres, located on the outskirts of the city, the Colosseum was built in the very center of Rome. It was the product of the uncontrollable extravagance of the Roman emperor Vespasian (69-79), who decided to strengthen his position by building an amphitheater at the expense of the huge booty obtained as a result of suppressing the Jewish uprising. The construction, which began in 72, was completed by Emperor Titus in 80. The grand opening of the Colosseum was accompanied by gladiator fights, hunting wild animals and naumachia (reproduction of a naval battle in a flooded arena), the games continued for 97 days.

Emperor Domitian (81-96) significantly modernized the structure, built a series of underground tunnels in which animals and gladiators were kept before entering the arena, and also added a fourth tier, significantly increasing the capacity.

Unlike a circle, the elliptical shape of the Colosseum, measuring 83x48 meters, prevented fighting gladiators from retreating into a corner and gave spectators the opportunity to be closer to the action. This design has been inherited by almost every modern sports facility in the world.

The Colosseum's honeycomb structure of arches, passages and staircases allowed thousands of people to easily take their seats and watch the deadly spectacle. It is strikingly different from most ancient public buildings, inherited from the classical model of Greek temples with their rectangular rows of columns topped by pediments.

History of the Colosseum after construction

With the spread of Christianity, the killing of people within the walls of the amphitheater stopped, and the last hunt for animals took place around 523. But the main reason that put an end to the games was the military and financial crisis in the western part of the empire, accompanied by numerous barbarian invasions. The amphitheater required enormous expenses for organizing the games, and in the absence of them, the need for the existence of the Colosseum disappeared.
With the glory of imperial Rome having sunk into history, the purpose of the Colosseum has changed. No longer a place for entertainment, it was used as a home, a fortress and a religious monastery at various times. It ceased to serve as an arena for the entertainment of bloodthirsty Roman citizens, and began to suffer from earthquakes and the barbaric attitude of the people, who stripped off the rich marble cladding and bricks to build palaces and churches. The famous Cathedrals of St. Peter and St. John the Baptist on the Lateran Hill, Palazzo Venezia were built using brick and marble from the Colosseum. As a result of 2000 years of wars, earthquakes, vandalism and the inexorable action of time, two thirds of the original structure was destroyed. All that remains of the former glory of the Colosseum is a shadow of its former appearance, the famous ruins. The amphitheater's reputation as a sacred place where Christian martyrs met their fate saved the Colosseum from complete destruction (but the legend that Christians were sacrificed to lions here is considered unfounded by historians).

In 1749, Pope Benedict XIV declared the Colosseum a public church. From that moment on, the barbaric removal of stones from the walls of the amphitheater finally stopped. The building began to be restored, and since then reconstruction has continued intermittently until today.

Organization of games at the Colosseum

Invented in the Roman Empire, the amphitheater served as a venue for spectacular fights, the most popular of which were venationes (animal hunting) and munera (gladiator fights). In the first years after the opening of the Colosseum, naumachia (sea battles) was extremely popular. The Roman ruling class was obliged, according to the generally accepted concepts of the time, to organize spectacles in order to earn the respect and favor of ordinary citizens of the empire and to maintain public peace. All free citizens of Rome had the right to visit the amphitheater.

Organizing the games required enormous costs and was regulated by numerous laws. In the first century AD, the emperors created the Ratio a muneribus, something like a “Ministry of Games,” which had the necessary financial resources to organize games.

For the Romans, visiting the Colosseum became not only a way of relaxation and entertainment, but also a meeting place for people belonging to different classes. Roman society was divided into classes, and the amphitheater became a place where the public could meet and even address the emperor.

Gladiators

Gladiators usually became prisoners of war who did not have any rights under Roman law, whose lives were of no value to the state, slaves and criminals sentenced to death. Prisoners of war were trained in gladiator schools for performances in the arena of the Colosseum and other amphitheaters. When there was a shortage of gladiators, runaway slaves began to be sent to schools. They fought on a common basis, and after three years they stopped their performances in the arena. This distinguished the slaves from the condemned criminals who fought in the Colosseum without any hope of survival, like those condemned to ad bestias (to be torn to pieces by wild beasts) or ad gladium ludi damnati (condemned to death by the sword). In the latter case, one armed gladiator killed a disarmed enemy, then he himself found himself disarmed and became the victim of another armed gladiator, and so on, until the last convicted criminal remained.

Beginning in the first century AD, free citizens of Rome (auctorati) voluntarily became gladiators and fought in the Colosseum arena as professionals. These free citizens began their gladiator careers by submitting completely to Lanista's demands. The lanista in the Roman world was considered the most disgusting profession (even below pimps or executioners), had the power of life and death over gladiators, who were required to take an oath of complete obedience as a prerequisite for admission to the school. The gladiator swore to "suffer punishment with a whip, a brand, or accept death by the sword." Such terrible punishments were intended to suppress any hint of disobedience and instilled the belief that overcoming any challenge was the only means of their survival. The public demanded professional spectacles, so training took several years before entering the arena. At the last stage of the Roman Empire, about half of all gladiators were free citizens of Rome.

The gladiators who fought in the arena of the Colosseum were armed equally: a warrior better equipped with offensive weapons had fewer means of defense, or vice versa. The fighting techniques adhered to the traditional battle script, the fight was a show of skill well known to the public, who expected a professional performance. Spectators could approve or disapprove of the gladiators' maneuvers, as we do today when watching sports games such as football. The public did not tolerate monotony and imitation, and highly valued courage and displays of bravery.

In 73 BC, about 70 gladiators under the leadership of Spartacus fled from the school of Capua, created an army of 90,000 people, and for three years the largest slave uprising raged on the territory of the Roman Empire. After the rebellion was suppressed, the Roman Senate took measures to avoid such incidents. A garrison of soldiers stood near each school, delivering weapons there every morning and taking them back in the evening. In case of the slightest disturbance, the soldiers intervened immediately. Schools were considered quite safe, so they were located inside cities. Those held in custody could not escape, and they could only hope to save their lives by fighting valiantly in the arena of the Colosseum in order to attract the attention of influential aristocrats, gain their sympathy and gain their freedom.

Visit to the Colosseum

Games at the Colosseum were considered the privilege of only free citizens (slaves were not allowed), but tickets were not sold for them. Various communities, fraternities, partnerships, leagues, unions, associations and the like had reserved seats in the amphitheater in accordance with their role and rank in society. Those who were not members of any society tried to find a patron and get a place from him on the basis of an invitation. This tradition was observed for a long period of time. Not only in the amphitheater, but also in the circus or theater, each category of citizens was provided with certain places.
All spectators were required to dress appropriately: male citizens must wear a toga. Citizens who did not enjoy a good reputation - bankrupt, depraved or wasteful persons - sat together with the plebs in the upper ranks. In ancient times, even single women were allowed access to the Colosseum. Drinking alcohol in the stands was prohibited; the writer Lampridius criticized Emperor Commodus when he sometimes drank alcohol.

On game day, spectators arrived very early, and some even slept in the Coliseum. To enter the room, spectators presented a tessera (invitation). Tessera was a small plate or cube of marble, which, like today's tickets, indicated the exact location of its owner (sector, row, place). Each seat in the stands had a number. People sat on wooden planks set on marble stones, while the Roman aristocracy sat on more comfortable upholstered seats. The poor, including women, were located on the top tier.

Spectators walked to their seats through arches marked with numbers I - LXXVI (1-76). The four main entrances were not numbered. The best seats were on or behind the podium, which was raised 5 meters above the arena for safety reasons.

Modern scholars argue that the layout of the sites reflected the social hierarchy of Roman society. The two lowest tiers (that is, the most prestigious) stands could accommodate 2,000 and 12,000 spectators, respectively. On the upper tiers of the Colosseum, spectators were crowded together like sardines in a can, each of them having an average of 40x70 cm of space.

The Colosseum arena was covered with a 15 cm thick layer of sand (the Latin word for sand is spelled “arena”), sometimes painted red to hide the spilled blood. And, as seen in Ridley Scott's film "Gladiator", holes opened from below, from where wild animals were released into the arena.

Naumachia

Navachia was a reproduction of famous naval battles, the participants of which, as a rule, were criminals sentenced to death, and sometimes simply trained warriors and sailors. Such shows (mostly held in Rome) were extremely expensive. The ships were no different from warships and maneuvered in battle like real ones. The Romans called such spectacles navalia proelia (sea battles), but they became famous from the Greek word naumachia (naumachia), a term indicating that the spectacle took place in a specially equipped place.

Naumachia often tried to recreate famous historical battles, such as the Greek victory over the Persians at the Battle of Salamis, or the destruction of the Athenian fleet at Aegospotami. During the show, the sequence of historical events that took place was followed, and the audience received great pleasure from the skill of the warriors and their equipment.

Sources claim that the naumachia was staged in the Colosseum immediately after the grand opening of the amphitheater. During the reign of Emperor Domitian (81-96), a system of tunnels was built under the arena and the naumachia was abolished.

Animal hunting

Hunting scenes were extremely popular in the Colosseum and other amphitheaters of the empire. This was the only chance for the Romans to see wild animals unfamiliar to them in those days. At the very beginning, hunting for wild animals was demonstrated in the morning, as a prelude to gladiatorial battles. In the last period of the republic, hunting in the arena was organized in broad daylight, sometimes lasting several days. All types of wild animals - elephants, bears, bulls, lions, tigers - were captured throughout the empire, transported and kept for the day of the games.

To ensure the safety of spectators in the Colosseum, the height of the fence around the arena was 5 meters. Most of the pairings were classic: lion versus tiger, bull or bear. Sometimes the pairs were clearly unequal: dogs or lions were released on deer, in this case the outcome was predictable. To break the monotony, the Romans resorted to strange combinations of animals: bear versus python, crocodile versus lion, seal versus bear, and so on. Sometimes the animals were chained to the Colosseum arena to prevent them from maneuvering.

Most martial arts were animals against trained men (venatores) armed with spears. Animal hunting has become extremely popular among wealthy citizens. The venatores involved in this type of fighting became so famous that their names can still be read on some mosaics and graffiti.

A huge number of wild animals died in the Colosseum arena (sources say that 9,000 animals were killed in the first days of opening alone). Even if this figure is exaggerated, we can say with confidence that a large number of animals died for fun in the arenas of Roman amphitheaters. Bears were captured in Caledonia (Scotland) and Pannonia (now Hungary and Austria); lions and panthers - in the province of Numidia in Africa (currently Algeria and Tunisia), tigers in Persia, crocodiles and rhinoceroses in India.

Capturing animals and transporting them in good condition over thousands of kilometers was extremely expensive. The animals had to be caught alive, and this posed the main danger. The animals were caught in traps, put in cages, and fed all the way to their destination to ensure they arrived in good condition. The hunt for large animals is reflected in numerous mosaics and paintings depicting the search, capture, transportation, and finally the kill. The costs were enormous, so the provinces of the Roman Empire were subject to special taxes so that Rome could organize hunting in the amphitheater arenas.

Tourism

Today the Colosseum is Rome's main tourist attraction, welcoming millions of tourists every year. Thanks to reconstruction in 2010, for the first time in the modern history of the amphitheater, the underground tunnels in which shackled gladiators once waited to enter the arena are open to the public. Also restored and reopened (for the first time since 1970) was the third tier of the Colosseum, from where Rome's middle class watched the desperate battles in the arena. Tours are for groups of 25 people and must be booked in advance. The wooden walkway in the center that you see in the last photo is the result of the latest renovation.

Although the Colosseum has lost its former grandeur, it is still used for various events. From time to time the Pope holds services here. Famous performers held their concerts under the shadow of the ancient monument: Paul McCartney, Elton John, Ray Charles, Billy Joel. On July 7, 2007, it was included in the list of one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the only European nominee.

The Colosseum is the most recognizable landmark of Rome. Its outlines are often depicted on postcards, but only those who visit the capital of Italy will be able to see other angles and even wander inside. For almost two millennia, this amphitheater has been attracting spectators and tourists to its walls. The name "Colosseum" in Latin means "huge", "colossal". This is how it seemed to the ancient Romans, but even today its greatness is difficult to underestimate. In addition to its considerable size, the historical and cultural significance of the Colosseum is impressive.

Historical facts

Emperor Vespasian (9-79 AD), founder of the Flavian dynasty, was distinguished by his great love of architecture. During his reign, many ancient temples were restored and new majestic structures were built. In 72, he decided to perpetuate his dynasty and instructed the builders to build the largest amphitheater that existed at that time.

Construction was very widespread near the border of the Forum. To quickly complete the work, a huge army of workers was brought in. It housed about 100,000 people, most of whom were prisoners or slaves. In just 8 years, the Roman Colosseum in Italy was completed and fully satisfied the emperor's expectations.

For several centuries, the amphitheater remained the most important structure for the Romans. It was a constant reminder of the creator; until the middle of the 8th century, people called it not the Colosseum, but the Flavian Amphitheater. The arena regularly hosted impromptu performances and fights between gladiators and wild animals. Later, executions of the first Christians began in the arena. Such fame led to the desolation of the Colosseum. Emperor Constantine I banned entertainment events on a stage with a bloody history. For several centuries it fell into disrepair and was used only as a memorial place where the first Christian martyrs were killed.

Until the beginning of the 18th century, no one paid attention to the technical condition of the Colosseum. It gradually collapsed, the ceilings rotted, and residents dismantled individual stones to build their own houses. Part of the building disappeared from the face of the earth forever. Only in the 19th century did the servants of the Catholic Church decide to begin the restoration of the Colosseum in order to preserve at least the external outlines of the ancient historical monument for posterity.

It took several decades, as well as knowledge in the fields of history, architecture and art, for the amphitheater to acquire the appearance that tourists see now.

How does the Colosseum work?

Scientists suggest that the modern Colosseum is only a third of the one that graced Rome several centuries ago. During numerous performances, 50,000 spectators could sit in the stands and there were still 18,000 standing places left.

To make the structure lighter, and therefore reduce the load on the foundation, 240 huge arched openings were built in the walls, which were located in 3 tiers. The inside of the arches is made of oval brick coated with concrete, and the outside is finished with travertine. The length of the walls is 524 m, width 156 m and height 57 m. Terracotta bricks were first used during the construction of the Colosseum. The entire structure required almost a million bricks.

Later, another continuous tier was built above the stands. There are still holes in its walls for the sticks that supported the awning. This made it more convenient to protect yourself from the scorching sun or rain. There are also details whose purpose has not yet been figured out. Thus, small pillars on the pavement could serve as barriers for the crowd or as the basis for another awning.

Along the walls were the interior spaces of the Colosseum. The vaulted galleries could house traders and places for spectators to rest. Although there are a lot of arches in the tiers, each of them is unique. The angle to the sun and the interior design differ.

The first tier contained 76 passages for citizens. Each of them has its own Roman numbering. Many arches made it possible to speed up the movement of spectators and reduce crowding in the aisles. Even a large crowd was completely seated or out of the Colosseum in just 5-10 minutes.

The supports deserve special attention, each of which differs in design style. They gave the amphitheater additional lightness. The columns of the first tier look the heaviest; these are Doric stone sculptures. The second tier features Ionic concrete columns, while the third tier features lightweight Corinthian piers with leaf moldings. It is assumed that sculptures were installed under the arches of the upper tiers, but the remains of at least one of them have not yet been discovered.

The arena itself has an oval shape, which made it impossible for the combatants to hide in the corner from a sharp spear or blade. The floor was made of planks, which made it possible to quickly replace the covering or add water for a naval battle. Cages for prisoners and predators appeared much later. An underground turning system and other communications were installed under the stage. The wooden floors have not survived to this day, but the destruction opened up the opportunity to study the underground plan well.

For many years, tourists could only view the Colosseum at night, but over time, scientists became eager to increase its popularity. After long reconstructions, comprehensive excursion tours were developed for everyone who wanted to get to know the ancient structure better.

The grandeur of the Roman Colosseum

It was here that the phrase “Bread and Circuses” was shouted from the stands. For centuries, spectators have rejoiced in bloody performances, deciding the fate of animals or people. The Colosseum's repertoire included a rich program of massacres and duels. The first protesters against cruel performances appeared at the beginning of the 5th century, but the majority continued to enjoy cruel performances. On one occasion, spectators even stoned the monk Telemachus in response to his protests against bloodshed.

Since 521, fighting and fights with animals were stopped. The popularity of the Colosseum remained in the past, but the great building continued to remain a symbol of the Roman Empire. They said that as long as the Colosseum stands, Rome will stand.

Tourist information

A few years ago you could get to the Colosseum at any time of the day. This freed the hands of some attackers and made it difficult to control the safety of the monument. Since then, security has been increased and the following operating mode has been established:

• 9:00-19:00 (from April to October);
• 9:00-16:00 (from November to March).

In the evenings, excellent illumination turns on around the Colosseum, so wandering around the amphitheater is interesting even at dusk.

To get inside the Colosseum you need to pay 12 euros. Discounts are available for children, students and pensioners. There is a long queue for tickets in the morning, so it is advisable to buy them in advance at special ticket offices or on the official website: www.the-colosseum.net.

How to get there

To see the Colosseum, you need to come to the Colosseum Square in Rome. You can make the journey by metro, tram No. 3 or bus routes No. 60, 85, 175, 271, 850. The stop has the same name as the attraction itself.

The Colosseum is one of the main attractions and symbols of the Eternal City. Being in Rome and not visiting the Colosseum is probably the same as being in Paris and not seeing

In my opinion, it has a special energy: in order to appreciate this monument, you do not need to be a connoisseur of history or art, you do not need to be able to determine the architectural style of its columns or know the materials and technologies used in its construction. The greatness of the ancient amphitheater, surpassing any knowledge and historical facts, leaves an eternal imprint on the heart of everyone who has ever stood at the foot of the Colosseum.

History of the Colosseum in Rome

Since its construction to this day, the Colosseum has dominated the surrounding urban landscape of the historic center. It was the first monumental amphitheater in Rome: during the era of the Republic, gladiator fights took place in the Roman Forum, where temporary wooden structures were erected for them. Everything changed with the arrival of Emperor Vespasian, the founder of the Flavian dynasty: after a brutal civil war, the wise ruler decided to channel the energy of the emotional masses into entertainment. The construction of the Flavian Amphitheater (that’s what the ancient Romans called the Colosseum) began at the instigation of Vespasian in 72, and its opening in 80 was made by the son of the founder, Emperor Titus Flavius ​​Vespasian, establishing spectacular games in honor of the significant event that lasted as many as 100 days!

The Colosseum was rebuilt and restored many times due to devastating fires and earthquakes. The amphitheater was used for its intended purpose until 523, after which it gradually fell into disrepair, becoming a source of building materials for many new Roman buildings - a common story at that time. Some parts of the Colosseum were even used to build the Saint's Basilica.

Architecture of the Colosseum in Rome

The Flavian Amphitheatre, surpassing all its predecessors in size and monumentality, is still the largest in the world. Dimensions of the Colosseum: 188 meters along the long axis and 156 meters along the short axis, height - 48 meters, the arena was 76 meters long and 46 meters wide. What caused this unprecedented height? The answer is simple: only the vertical organization of the rows made it possible to accommodate the largest number of people as close to the arena as possible: the amphitheater could accommodate up to 70,000 spectators.

It is difficult to overestimate the former splendor of the Colosseum! In order to imagine the original appearance of the building, it is best to enter from its northern side, Via Fori Imperiali: it is from here that the preserved ring of the outer facade is clearly visible. You will see that the first three levels consist of arcades (there were 80 of them in total): the arches of the second and third levels were decorated with statues, and luxurious bronze shields were located between the dormers of the fourth level. The entire façade was covered with marble slabs.

5 Colosseum Innovations

The Colosseum was an innovative building in every sense.

Here are a few facts that captured my imagination:

1. The Colosseum was built without the use of mortar: travertine blocks were held together with metal rods.
2. A well-organized system of 80 entrances and internal corridors distributed thousands of people evenly, avoiding crowds and ensuring a safe and convenient visit to the Colosseum.
3. The amphitheater was equipped with a system to protect spectators from hot sun rays or rain: deftly moving along 320 wooden beams, a huge woven canopy was unwound and strengthened by sailors recalled from the Misen flotilla on the occasion of the performances.
4. The world's first elevators were constructed for the Colosseum; they lifted animals and gladiators located on the lower level into the arena. Such an organization made the performances even more spectacular: people and wild animals appeared on stage as if out of nowhere.
5. The Flavian Amphitheater was equipped with a unique hydraulic system that made it possible to turn the arena into a huge pool of water, where gladiators or prisoners reenacted famous Roman naval battles. And in 1980, the public was presented with a women's dance show on the water!

Internal structure of the Colosseum

Performances at the Colosseum were free to attend. There was only one unquestioning rule: seats in the amphitheater were distributed strictly in accordance with the laws established by Emperor Augustus, according to which it depended on the social status of the spectators. For no amount of money could commoners buy a position on a marble chair in the lower noble rows instead of a wooden bench on the upper floor. In the front rows sat only senators and vestals, immediately behind them were representatives of the nobility. The worst upper places housed foreigners and slaves.

The arena of the Colosseum consisted of a wooden flooring covered with sand (part of it is reproduced in the eastern side of the amphitheater). In order to protect the precious representatives of the nobility from possible attacks by wild animals, during the performance a high and strong metal mesh was erected along its perimeter, and archers were located in specially designated niches.

There were two accesses to the arena, located on either side of the larger axis: Porta Triumphalis (meaning triumphal gate) on the west side and Porta Libitinaria on the east. The gladiators entered the stage through the western gate, and their lifeless bodies were carried out through the eastern gate.

Performances at the Colosseum

The day in the amphitheater unfolded according to a special schedule. On the evening before the performance, the editor (the one in charge of organizing the games) invited the gladiators to a dinner open to the public. Gladiators were to the ancient Romans what modern sports stars are to us. It's no surprise that fans were looking forward to watching their favorites.

In the morning, the soldiers opened the performance with a solemn procession through the arena in ceremonial armor. After which the games began: gladiator battles among themselves or with exotic animals.

Lunch time was reserved for the execution of those sentenced to death: they were burned, crucified, or given over to be torn to pieces by wild animals.

The highlight of the program were duels between gladiators, which took place in the afternoon.

The widespread belief that the public used the thumb up or down to decide the fate of the gladiator is erroneous. There were two gestures: the thumb, pointing up or parallel to the ground. Both of these gestures symbolized a drawn sword and were somewhat akin to the modern "puck! puck!" in hockey, that is, a call for entertainment and encouragement of the soldiers.

The life of the losing gladiator was preserved by the hand clenched into a fist, symbolizing the sword hidden in the sheath.

The belief that the public or the emperor called for the death of the gladiator is unfounded: warriors became strong only by gaining experience in battle. Ordering the death of a gladiator would be the same as today executing a football player who lost a match. The thumbs down gesture, supposedly calling for the taking of a warrior's life, was invented by the Catholic Church in order to reinforce the bloodthirsty image of the ancient Romans.

How to get to the Colosseum

If you are staying away from the historical center, for example, in a popular tourist center, then getting to the Colosseum will be as easy as shelling pears - feel free to take the metro (one trip will cost 1.5 euros) and, getting off at the Colosseo station of the same name, you will find yourself right opposite the amphitheater. And I advise the lucky ones located in the city center to walk: after all, Rome is not called an open-air museum for nothing! So arm yourself with a map and go ahead! Moreover, the Colosseum, thanks to its outstanding size, will be difficult to pass by...

Colosseum opening hours

The Colosseum is open to the public every day. Entrance to the museum closes one hour before closing.

Schedule:

• January 2 – February 15: 08.30 - 16.30
• February 16 – March 15: 08.30 - 17.00
• March 16 – last Saturday in March: 08.30 - 17.30
• Last Sunday in March – August 31 : 08.30 - 19.15
• September 1 – September 30 : 08.30 - 19.00
• First Saturday of October – February 14 : 08.30 - 18.30

Ticket prices

• Full adult ticket – 12 euros.
• Reduced ticket for citizens of the European Union aged 18-25 years old – 7.5 euros.
• Free entrance for persons under 18 years of age.

Students of the Faculty of Art History of a higher educational institution have the right to free ticket upon presentation of an international student ID (such as ISIC). The name of the university and faculty must be indicated on the certificate.

The Colosseum is also free to everyone on the first Saturday of every month.

The Colosseum ticket is valid for 2 days and allows one visit to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.

The most detailed information with photos. Interesting facts about the Colosseum, history and location on the map.

Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater)

Coliseum- a grandiose amphitheater in Rome, one of the most famous buildings of Antiquity. This is a true symbol of the Eternal City and one of its main attractions. It is correct to call the Colosseum the Flavian amphitheater - after the dynasty of emperors under which this mass was built.

Story

The Colosseum was built in just 8 years. Construction began in 72 AD. under Emperor Vespasian, and ended in 80 AD. under Emperor Titus.

Having become emperor after the despot Nero, Vespasian decided to strengthen his power. To do this, he came up with an interesting move - to demolish Nero's palace (Golden House), which, together with the park, occupied 120 hectares of the center of Rome and build imperial institutions, and fill up the pond at the palace and build a grandiose amphitheater for the entertainment of the people.

The amphitheater was built by slaves who were brought to Rome after Vespasian's military victories in Judea. According to scientists, the labor of 100 thousand slaves was involved in the construction of the Colosseum. Slaves were used for the most difficult work - for mining and delivering travertine from Tivoli to Rome (about 25 km), lifting heavy objects, etc. Also, a large group of sculptures, artists and engineers worked on the design of the Colosseum.

The opening of the Colosseum was celebrated with grandiose games. The amphitheater was the center of cruel entertainment spectacles of Ancient Rome for almost three and a half centuries - gladiatorial fights, animal persecution. People and animals died here for the amusement of the crowd and patricians. Until at the beginning of the 5th century the emperor of the Roman Empire banned gladiatorial fights. It was then that Christianity became the main religion of the great Empire. And one of its most colossal structures will see its saddest times.

The Middle Ages and the New Age left strong scars on the amphitheater: first, the invasion of barbarians left the amphitheater in disrepair, then it was a fortress for noble families, and in the mid-14th century a strong earthquake collapsed the southern wall of the amphitheater. The great structure became a source of building material - it was broken down and dismantled for the construction of new buildings and church cathedrals and palaces.

This continued until the mid-18th century, when the Colosseum came under the protection of Pope Benedict XIV.

Currently, the Colosseum is under state protection. Where possible, the debris was put back in place. Yes, the amphitheater has lost its former internal and external attractiveness, but even so it is simply stunning. Despite the protection, the Colosseum still suffers - the urban environment, exhaust gases and vibrations do not benefit the giant.

Description

The Colosseum is shaped like a giant ellipse. This is the largest amphitheater of antiquity, striking in its size - the outer axis is 524 meters long, the dimensions of the platform are 85 x 53 meters, and the height is from 48 to 50 meters.

The walls of the Colosseum are built from large pieces of travertine. The amphitheater had many entrances and exits. The lower rows were reserved for the rich. Simpler people occupied the top rows. To protect from the scorching Roman sun, masts were provided, on which a giant awning was pulled.

1. Initially, the amphitheater was named after the Flavians, the dynasty of emperors who built it. The name Colosseum was established only in the 8th century and comes from the Latin word colossal.
2. The foundation of the structure is 13 meters thick.
3. Thanks to engineering and design solutions, spectators could fill the amphitheater in 15 minutes and leave in 5 minutes. Some of the solutions that were used during its construction are still used in the construction of large sports facilities.
4. The amphitheater had 80 entrances and 76 staircases.
5. The Colosseum could accommodate 50,000 people (according to some sources, 70,000 people). Bigger than some modern stadiums!

Opening hours and ticket prices

Operating mode:

• 08.30 - 16.30: November-February
• 08.30 - 19.15: March-August
• 08.30 - 19.00: September
• 08.30 - 18.30: October

Ticket prices

• Adults - 12 euros.
• EU citizens from 18 to 25 years old - 7.5 euros
• Children (under 18 years old) - free

Tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of first use. With these tickets you can also visit the Roman Forum and vice versa. There is a little trick: there are usually long queues at the Colosseum ticket office, so you can buy tickets at the Forum ticket office.

Online camera with a view of the Colosseum - http://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/italia/lazio/roma/colosseo.html

Video about the Colosseum