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Saved by annapaola
on February 5, 2011 at 4:44:58 pm
 

 

THE COLOSSEUM - ROME

 

 

The Colosseum is originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it was the largest building of that era. The Flavian Amphitheater Emperor Vespasian, founder of the Flavian Dynasty, started construction of the Colosseum in AD 72 and completed in AD 80. The huge amphitheater was built on the site of an artificial lake, part of Nero's huge park in the centre of Rome which also included the Golden House (Domus Aurea) and the nearby Colossus statue. This giant statue of Nero also gave the building its current name.

 

The Building The Colosseum in Imperial Rome

The elliptical building measures 188m by 156m and reaches a height of more than 48 metres. The Colosseum could accommodate some 55,000 spectators and it has more than 80 entrances. Above the ground are four storeys, the upper storey contained seating for lower classes and women. The lowest storey was preserved for prominent citizens. Below the ground were rooms with mechanical devices and cages containing wild animals. 

 

 

Velarium

The Colosseum was covered with an enormous awning known as the velarium. This protected the spectators from the sun. It was attached to large poles on top of the Colosseum and anchored to the ground by large ropes. 

 

Bread and circuses

Emperors used the Colosseum to entertain the public with free games. Those games were a symbol of prestige and power and they were a way for an emperor to increase his popularity. Games were held for a whole day or even several days in a row.  Sometimes free Romans and even Emperors took part in the action.

 

Inauguration

Titus, Vespasian's successor, opened the building in AD 80 with one hundred days of games.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9c4bsbl4g0

 

A reconstruction of Colosseum in Gladiator

The Colosseum was virtually reconstructed for the Ridley Scott's film Gladiator starring Russell Crowe. The following video is n example of the techniques used for its reconstruction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtufDL90azI

 

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