The construction of the Colosseum started between 70 and 72 AD under Emperor Vespasian and was finally completed in 80 AD under Emperor Titus. There were further enhancements to the Colosseum made during the reign of Emperor Domitian.
Construction History
The site for which the Colosseum was to be built on was a flat area between the Esquiline, Caelian and Palatine Hills where a canal also flowed. During the second century BC the area was heavily populated. However most of the area was destroyed by the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD. After this tragedy Emperor Nero decided to take over this land in order to build his own grandiose Domus Aurea which consisted of an artificial lake, gardens and surrounded by pavilions.
A large bronze Colossus of Nero was also raised by the main entrance to the Domus Aurea. This was the only remaining feature left standing after most of the Domus Aurea was torn down. The land itself was used to build the new Flavian Amphitheatre. It has been said that Emperor Vespasian’s decision to build the Colosseum on the site of Nero’s lake was to give back the land to the people that once inhabited there.
Although there were many other amphitheatres built around the outskirts of Rome, the Colosseum stood at the centre of the city making it the heart of Rome both literally and symbolically.
The capacity of the Colosseum holds over 50,000 spectators and was used primarily for gladiatorial battles. Aside from this animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of historical battles and role-plays of Classical mythology were also displayed within the Colosseum.
By the Medieval ages, the Colosseum’s original purpose was replaced with the necessity for housing civilians, creating workshops, a place of worship but primarily used as a fortress.
Completion of the Colosseum
In 79 AD Emperor Vespasian died and by this time the Colosseum had only been completed up to the third story. The remaining build was completed by Vespasian’s son Titus in 80 AD. The Colosseum was further enhanced by Emperor Domitian, Vespasian’s youngest son where underground tunnels which housed slaves and wild animals. A gallery was also added at the top of the Colosseum to increase seating capacity.
In 217 AS, the Colosseum incurred major damage from a fire allegedly caused by lightning and destroyed the upper levels of the amphitheatre’s interior. It was not fully restored until around 240 AD and further repairs were made between 250 and 252 AD and in 320 AD.
In 443 AD repairs were made to the Colosseum after an earthquake had caused major damage. Further repairs were not made until 484 and 508 AD. The Colosseum Continued to be used for contests and animal hunts well into the next century.
Tourist Attraction
The Colosseum today continues to be a major tourist attraction in Rome with thousands of tourists each year paying to view arena. A section of the arena floor has been replaced where underneath the views of the underground tunnels can be seen. Despite the amount of restoration work carried out over centuries, the colosseum still remains an architectural and historical achievement.
Source
Colosseum: Rome Arena of Death by Peter Connolly published by BBC Consumer Publisging UK (2003)
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