The Colosseum in Rome ... The scale and shape of this grandiose building, which, incidentally, will soon turn two thousand years old, still make a strong impression on everyone who sees it. This attraction got its name a bit later. Ironically, it came from a column of Nero, standing nearby. The memory of the eccentric Nero, according to Vespasian, was intended to overshadow the new amphitheater in the minds of the Romans. Hard to believe, but the Colosseum in Rome was built in just eight years. Manually, using primitive mechanisms from levers and blocks. With the delivery of granite and marble monoliths from quarries located 30 kilometers from the capital of the Great Empire, in Tivoli.
Colosseum in Rome. Architectural features and a brief history
The accuracy of engineering calculations of this structure is still amazing. A combination of external lightness with the reliability of the entire load-bearing structure has been achieved in the Coliseum building. The system of arched ceilings evenly distributes the load along the entire perimeter. All the largest modern world stadiums, from Brazil to China inclusive, are built on the same principles as the Colosseum in Rome. But in 72 AD, no one looked so far. Emperor Titus Flavius Vespasian simply wanted to make the Romans pleasant, and at the same time build up a plot of land with a pond that recently belonged to Nero. It was at the place of the reservoir and the arena of the Colosseum was laid. The opening of the Flavian Amphitheater - that is how this building was officially called then - took place in the 80th year, and was marked by multi-day performances, including gladiator fights and animal persecution. On this scene, many early Christians who were persecuted in Rome in the first and second centuries found their painful death.
Gladiators shed blood for three and a half centuries, until such spectacles were banned in 405 by the West Roman Emperor Honorius. After that, only animal harassment was carried out in the arena. Often the Colosseum served as a fortress for warring clans in internecine wars (in the Middle Ages). Over time, the amphitheater fell into disrepair and collapsed. It was severely damaged by an earthquake in the middle of the fourteenth century. Influential Roman figures of the feudal era, who pulled the remains of the once powerful amphitheater design into building materials for their own mansions and administrative buildings, did no less damage to the ancient monument.
Colosseum in rome how to find it
But closer to new times, the Roman authorities began to appreciate the architectural heritage of the ancient era and took care of the safety of what was left of it. The worldwide fame of the monument made him respect. The question of where the Colosseum is in Rome was of interest to all visitors. And this, among other things, also had enormous commercial potential. Today, the amphitheater is partially restored and restored, technical measures are being taken to prevent further destruction of structures. Sometimes operas and dramatic performances are staged on its stage. An important administrative gesture: the Colosseum was officially registered and received at the post office. In Rome, his address is entered in the official postal register. You can write letters.