Cards with the image of the Coliseum are on sale in all corners of the world! This is a unique engineering structure, a huge amphitheater, where even naval battles were staged. Attraction must be visited. It is interesting to plunge into history, not just read a book, but see with your own eyes, imagine ancient Rome, gladiators in the arena. Interesting, exciting.
Roman Colosseum (Colosseo)
The Colosseum is a symbol of Rome, a popular tourist attraction. In 2007 he was recognized as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Its ruins, deprived of their former decoration, still make a strong impression with their severe grandeur.
Where did the name come from
The word "amphitheater" in Greek means - a sight, "double theater". Antique theaters were usually located on a hillside. Places for spectators were cut down in the thickness of the mountain, and actors and "orchestra" were located at the foot of the mountain.
The most significant amphitheater of antiquity was the Roman Colosseum (Italian: Colosseo, lat. Colosseum). Its name comes from the Latin "colosseum" - "grandiose". He got this name thanks to a huge bronze monument - the Colossus of Nero, located nearby.
Colosseum in Ancient Rome
Facade of the Coliseum
The grandiose construction began to be built after the victory of Vespasianus Flavius in Judea (in the 72nd year). Therefore, it was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater (Latin Amphitheatrum Flavium). And only from the VIII century the current name of the Colosseum was established. Construction lasted 8 years. The building was consecrated in 80 by Emperor Titus.
The amphitheater was erected in a hollow between the hills of Esquiline, Celius and the Palatine. Previously, there was an artificial lake, which was located next to the Golden House of Nero. For the sake of creating a colossal arena, the reservoir was drained.
Amphitheater Flaviev
In terms of the Coliseum was oval, like other ancient amphitheaters. 240 huge arches, lined with travertine, were made of terracotta and brick. The arched structure greatly facilitated the walls - this method of construction was a revolution in architecture. The arches were located densely, like a honeycomb. Each flight in the first tier served as an entrance for the audience. Above the entrances were written numbers of the numbering of places. If necessary, the audience could leave the hall in a matter of minutes.
Arena
In the middle of the amphitheater was an arena. Spectator seats diverged from it in concentric circles. The dimensions of the arena were 85 x 53 m. The outer boundary of the ellipse is 524 m, the major axis is 188 m, the minor axis is 155 m. The height of the walls reached 50 meters.
The Coliseum Hall was designed for 50 thousand spectators. Places for the public were divided into tiers, according to the social status of the audience. The first rows of white marble were intended for senators (these places were "inscribed"). In addition to senators, the lower tier (podium) could be occupied by close emperors and vestals. The emperor’s place towered over the rest. The podium was separated from the arena by a stone parapet - for the safety of distinguished guests. For ordinary citizens, three tiers were intended. In the 20 rows of the first tier sat noble Romans and horsemen. In 16 rows of the second tier housed everyone who had the title of Roman citizen. Further there was a high protective wall, and behind it there were places for the lower classes. Even higher was a portico adjacent to the outer wall.
The pillars of the first tier were Doric half-columns, the second - Ionic, the third - Corinthian with carved decorative capitals. The openings of the upper floors were decorated with many statues of white marble.
When it rained or the sun fell, the imperial sailors unfurled a huge tent over the amphitheater. It was attached by ropes to the masts on the outer wall.
In commemoration of the opening of the Coliseum, the Day Games were announced. Spectators saw the battles of strong gladiators with powerful predators, sea battles. Animals were taken from everywhere and killed not only for fun. The Roman Empire once again proved its greatness in this way.
The triumph of Emperor Trajan in the Dacian Wars was grandly celebrated at the Coliseum in 107. 19,000 gladiators fought in games, and they lasted 123 days.
In 217, under the Emperor Makrin, the Colosseum suffered from a fire, but was restored by decree of Alexander Sever.
In 248, Emperor Philip celebrated the thousandth anniversary of the Eternal City at the Coliseum. Gladiators again competed (two thousand fighters participated in the battles) and animal persecution was conducted.
Fights between people were stopped in 405 by order of Emperor Honorius, as they did not correspond to Christian canons. But animal persecution continued until the VI century. When the ban on animal persecution came out, the huge amphitheater lost its significance. And after the invasion of the barbarians came to desolation.
Colosseum in the Middle Ages
In the VI century, a small chapel appeared in the structure of the Coliseum. Arcades and vaulted spaces were adapted for workshops and housing, and the arena itself was used as a cemetery.
From the 11th century until 1132, the Colosseum became a fortress for noble Roman families. Emperor Henry VII presented it to the Roman Senate and people at the beginning of the 14th century. Until 1332, bullfights were organized here.
In 1349, an earthquake occurred in Rome that severely damaged a stone colossus. But people destroyed it much more strongly: they pulled the amphitheater into building materials, burned marble with lime, Roman palaces and churches were lined with travertine from the walls, and brick went to build bridges and harbors.
New time
Cross
Since the 16th century, the church gained a great influence over the Coliseum. In the 18th century, it was consecrated as the site of the death of Christian martyrs. Pope Benedict XIV took the amphitheater under his protection and ordered a huge cross to be erected in the center, and several altars built around. They were removed in 1874. But the popes continued to take care of the safety of the surviving parts of the building.
Present day
Street performers at the walls of the Coliseum
Only at the beginning of the 19th century were the first steps taken to preserve the priceless amphitheater. In 1894, the Italian government took the monument under state protection, proclaiming the Colosseum a symbol of Rome. Wreckage was inserted into the place where it was possible. In the arena, thanks to archaeological excavations, basements were found with many mechanisms that put people and animals into the arena.
Today is the first stage to protect the monument. It includes restoration and processing of arcades with a waterproof composition and reconstruction of the wooden floor in the arena.
The Colosseum, as a decoration, has been used more than once in films, and has been mentioned in literature and musical works. World stars prefer to perform in its arena.
How to buy tickets to the Colosseum online?
Queue at the Coliseum
Online ticket
I advise you to buy tickets in advance on the Internet, so as not to stand in line. For € 14 you will get a 2-day ticket to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine. Each museum can be visited only 1 time.
Tickets
Combined ticket - € 12 (via the Internet - € 14);
children under 17 years old - free of charge.
The ticket gives the right to visit the Coliseum, the Roman and Imperial Forums, the Palatine and is valid for 2 days after the first visit.
E-tickets sell at:
- etickets.coopculture.it
- Cool combo tickets at tiqets.com
View combo tickets:
Working hours
Daily from 8:30 to 17-19 hours, depending on the time of year.
Weekends: January 1, May 1, December 25.
How to get there
Take line B metro to Colosseo Station;
by tram 3, 8 to the Parco Celio stop;
by bus 51, 75, 85, 87, 118, N2 - to Colloseo.
