The Colosseum and Modern Architecture

Origins of the Colosseum Heritage in Rome

The Colosseum Heritage in Rome; it is indeed a great heritage to humanity. The colosseum which is also known as the Flavian Amphitheater was built in Rome by the Flavian emperors as a gift to the people of Rome. The construction began around 70 AD under the leadership of Emperor Vespasian and was completed ten years later that is 80 AD by his son Titus.

This is how the Colosseum was built

The Colosseum in Rome was built by the best possible technology of the time using travertine, limestone, tuff, brick-faced Roman concrete, wood, tiles and cement. The Colosseum is a free standing structure measuring 189 by 156 meters overall. It has the capacity of holding 50,000 seated spectators at ago.

The Colosseum’s elliptical shape and seating arrangement for spectators reinforced and demonstrate the Roman social order. Moreover, the Colosseum’s façade features three orders of Greek columns namely Doric, Ionic and Corinthian.

The Purpose of the Roman Colosseum

All existing structures, just like human beings, have a purpose of their existence. The Colosseum was built for the purpose of of entertaining the people of Rome and to demonstrate the power of the Roman Empire which was the superpower of the world at the time. The Colosseum was used for gladiators to fight, animals hunts, and mock naval battles.

The Architectural, Historical and Cultural Significance

The Colosseum in Rome is a symbol of the Roman Empire and a notable example and strength of the ancient Roman architecture. The Colosseum also reminds humanity of the darker aspects of the Roman history as people lost their lives while others applauded while watching.

Architecture Significance

The Colosseum is built with an impressive innovative design as it is an early example of concrete construction and featured a complex system of tunnels and passageways that were used by gladiators, slaves and animals. In addition, the Colosseum’s columns were arranged in sequence of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles which influenced Baroque era architects. Moreover, the used engineering technique was so advanced that it continues even today and influence modern architects and engineers.

Historical Significance

The Colosseum was built as a political symbol as it demonstrated the Flavian dynasty and the power of the Roman Empire. It is also recorded in history that the Colosseum was built to host gladiators who went to fight, animals hunts and other spectacles for about four hundred years. Moreover, as stated before already, the Colosseum is a reminder of the cultural and artistic achievements of the ancient Roman Empire as well as the ugly history of the Empire.

Cultural significance

The Colosseum in Rome has become a great symbol of numerous causes. It is a cherished tourist attraction and emblem of Rome’s past history. Moreover, it is used as a symbol of the international campaign against capital punishment as the Colosseum witnessed death of many people those guilt and those innocent too became victims and as many as almost one million animals.

Touristic Attractions

The Colosseum in Rome is an attractive feature and indeed one of the man made wonders, and counted among the seven world wonders of the world. The site attracts millions of visitors each year because of its history, its architecture and the purpose for which it was built. Moreover, it is close to many other touristic attractions such as the Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Arch of Constantine. These other touristic sites contribute too to the large number of visitors to the Colosseum.

Other touristic sites near by

The Roman Forum which is located at only a short walk from the Colosseum was the center of ancient Rome’s political. religious and social life, it is simply old Rome. The Palatine Hill is one among the seven hills found in Rome; this hill is said to be the place where Romulus is credited to have founded Rome. Additionally, the arch of Constantine that was built to honor Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor of Rome of which through him Christianity spread in the Roman Empire. The Saint Peter’s Basilica, located at about 6 kilometers from the Colosseum, is the largest church in the world and also the burial site of saint Peter who was also the first Roman Catholic Pope.

Services to tourists

The tourists coming from different corners of the world visiting the Colosseum in Rome can get a number of services to make their experience extraordinary including guided tours skip, access to the underground dungeons and other services to visitors.

Guided tours

Tourists can have a great experience at the Colosseum in Rome by having a guided tours. Expert tour guides can provide information about the Colosseum’s history, architecture, and gladiator culture that prevailed for almost four centuries. Some tours include access to other nearby Roman landmarks such as the St. Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill and the Arch of Constantine.

Access to Underground dungeons

The guided tours can grant visitors special access tickets including access to the underground dungeons, which is also known as the hypogeum. Moreover, visitors can have access to VIP ticket grant access to the Underground Level and Arena Floor.

Furthermore, visitors can access to other services such as wheelchair access to those with physical challenges, visitors can have a ramp to enter the ground floor and an elevator to reach the middle levels. There are also accessibilities to bathrooms and security check for all visitors

Economic benefits to the local population

The Colosseum heritage in Rome is one of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. The Colosseum in Rome is a major source of tourism revenue thus contributing to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Italy. It is also a symbol of Italian history and culture.

The Colosseum in Rome, given its age, history, and purpose of its creation, is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world. In 2018, it was the highest earning tourist site in Italy. Moreover, the Colosseum creates job opportunities by employing a large number of people including part time and full time staff. The Colosseum, as stated already, contributes billions of euros to Italy’s GDP every year.

Conclusion on the Colosseum Heritage in Rome

The Colosseum in Rome is one among the seven wonders of the world and since 1980 holds as well the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The later means we human beings have something that we can learn from the Colosseum heritage in Rome. It has a rich history, culture and and mixed kind of a sense of purpose for its building. It was a center for leisure, but also witnessed loss of many lives both of humans and animals.

The article has tried to give some light on this massive man made site. We have seen that because of its history and symbol of the country, it attracts many tourists from around the world who come to learn abut what took place there. Its architecture continues to fascinate modern architects and engineers, thus it can also be used as a learning site for those in those disciplines. For travel lovers and explorers the great Colosseum heritage in Rome, Italy is definitely a place to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Colosseum heritage in Rome is a subject that attracts lots of readers. It is a subject that is searched so much online. Readers of the subject are interested about many aspects of the site. Here are some of the questions that represent the many questions asked about it:

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