The Roman Colosseum – Italy's Enduring Wonder

The Roman Colosseum, situated in the capital city of Rome, Italy, is one of the oldest wonders in the world. This structure has stood firm for thousands of years, bearing witness to the splendid Roman civilization.

The Roman Colosseum – Italy's Enduring Marvel

The construction took place around the years 70-72 AD and was completed by 80 AD. By the 6th century, a small church had been erected inside. In the 14th century, a major earthquake caused significant damage to the outer walls.

Today, after nearly 2000 years of existence, enduring countless trials, the Roman Colosseum has undergone some changes but still maintains its current appearance. It truly lives up to its title as a 'witness to history.'

The Colossal Ancient Structure

Magnificent Elliptical Design

To ensure the stones stay together, heavy iron clamps were used. Over 25,000 cubic meters of mortar and rubble were mixed to create concrete. The arena's capacity reaches up to 80,000 people, much larger than modern football stadiums.

The arena also features a vaulted roof with a total of 80 entrances, including 2 for the emperor, 2 for the gladiators, and the rest for the audience. The seating arrangements inside the arena are numbered and quite modern, resembling present-day sports stadiums.

Within the gladiators' quarters, they have areas for training and living. The large arena also has a smaller one with a capacity of 3000 people, serving as a practice ground before matches.

The interior design of the arena is so perfect that people can evacuate in case of emergency in just a few minutes.

Highlight of the Roman Colosseum is the Hypogeum, part of the underground network and tunnels beneath the ground, where gladiators trained before facing their challenges. This underground network stretches for 3km, indicating a sophisticated water supply system dating back 2000 years.

All spectators in the stands must sit in an orderly manner according to their status and rank. The front row seats, made of marble, are reserved for the king and high-ranking officials, followed by 14 rows of seats made of travertine for the knights. The subsequent rows are divided into 3 sections: for the wealthy, the poor, and wooden seats for women at the top.

Rapid Construction Time

The construction of the Roman Colosseum was surprisingly swift, completed in just 5 years. The arena was built using spoils of war brought back from battles between the Romans and Jews.

Many Jewish residents in Jerusalem were captured and enslaved, with estimates ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 people mobilized to construct the arena. In addition to human labor, the Romans also mobilized resources. Considerable amounts of precious metals were brought from Jerusalem to build this arena.

Once a Site of Brutality

In the past, the arena was a place that led to hell as brutal, blood-soaked battles occurred between humans and animals, and even female gladiators participated in combat.

It is estimated that up to 500,000 people and 1 million animals perished participating in this violent game. This is truly horrifying to modern humanity and to other civilizations.

9,000 animals were slaughtered on the opening day of the festivities, and countless tragic stories recount horrific, blood-drenched scenes. It's rumored that these horrifying tales echoed for years, with agonizing cries for life and the pitiful screams of animals still resonating.

The majority of gladiators originated from criminals or the extremely impoverished, longing for glory and wealth. Some gladiators also came from noble backgrounds. Rewards for the poor and prisoners included freedom, substantial sums of money, and adulation as idols.

In defeat, the fate of the gladiators depended on the most powerful, and later on, the public. Beheading and burning alive were the most common gruesome punishments. Additionally, defeated gladiators faced other inhumane methods of execution inflicted by their opponents.

Free Admission to Matches

During this era, citizens were granted free entry to watch the matches in the Roman Colosseum. Moreover, if the event lasted all day, Roman citizens were provided with complimentary food and drinks throughout the duration of the spectacle.

The Roman Colosseum Today

Although only less than a third of the original structure remains, the Colosseum is still considered a symbol of the Roman Empire. It stands as a remaining masterpiece of Roman architecture, a treasure in the historical and cultural heritage of humanity.

In addition to its artistic value, this monument holds significant historical importance, marking the glorious era of ancient Rome. The Roman Colosseum is a must-visit destination when traveling to beautiful Italy. Contact Mytour for fantastic deals on luxury European tours!

According to Mytour

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide