Colosseum Italy

Colosseum Italy

Amphitheatre in Rome, Italy

Old Places 

In The world

The Colosseum or Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma, Italy
Construction started: 70 AD
Opened: 80 AD
Period: Rome
Architects: Vespasian, Titus

1. Colosseum (Italy):

Remnants of an empire that once managed the “celebrated” world, the site is incredible not only for its exquisiteness but also for its age and history. You stand at the same spot where once Caesar walked and watch the same subterranean passageways where gladiators once battled. The Colosseum has gradually disintegrated all through the ages and much of it is restricted now, particularly the basement and floors but even then it leaves an amazing impression on the spectator. Once you visit this spectacular Roman Empire site, you’ll know why it attracts more than 4 million visitors annually. Indeed, Colosseum is among one of the eminent historical places in the world which you should visit at least once in your life.

• History of the Colosseum - The First Gladiatorial Fight

The History of the Colosseum began in Rome when the first recorded gladiatorial fight was staged in 264AD. Decimus Junius Brutus Scaeva put on a gladiatorial combat to honor the memory of his deceased father who was a consul named D. Junius Brutus Pera. Three pairs of slaves, selected from among 22 prisoners of war, were chosen to fight. The first gladiatorial fight took place in the Forum Boarium, a cattle market, situated near the Tiber between the Capitoline, the Palatine and Aventine hills. As this was the funeral of a prominent aristocrat and held in a public space, the event was likely to have drawn a large crowd. This first Gladiatorial combat was a clever idea as it also brought political prestige to their family¹s name. So the history of gladiatorial combat and therefore the Colosseum is related to a funeral. The History of the Colosseum

• LATER HISTORY

In 404 CE, with the changing times and tastes, the games of the Colosseum were finally abolished by Emperor Honorius, although condemned criminals were still made to fight wild animals for a further century. The building itself would face a chequered future, although it fared better than many other imperial buildings during the decline of the Empire. Damaged by earthquake in 422 CE it was repaired by the emperors Theodosius II and Valentinian III. Repairs were also made in 467, 472 and 508 CE. The venue continued to be used for wrestling matches and animal hunts up to the 6th century CE but the building began to show signs of neglect and grass was left to grow in the arena. In the 12th century CE it became a fortress of the Frangipani and Annibaldi families. The great earthquake of 1231 CE caused the collapse of the southwest facade and the Colosseum became a vast source of building material - stones and columns were removed, iron clamps holding blocks together were stolen and statues were melted for lime. Indeed, Pope Alexander VI actually leased the Colosseum as a quarry. Despite this crumbling away though, the venue was still used for the occasional religious procession and play during the 15th century CE.