When we talk about Italy, while some might think about pizza and wines, there are tons
of you out there who might be thinking of the architectural beauty of this place as
well.
Known as the state party with the most world heritage sites, Italy has around 55 inscribed
properties all of which have been built ages ago.
Among these 55 historical sites, the colosseum is one that everyone has heard or seen at
one point in their life.
So, what is the colosseum?
When was it built?
And where did the rest half of it go?
Don’t worry, dinosaurs didn’t eat it, but there is a rich history of this arena
that you should know off.
Without further ado, let’s jump into it.
History of Colosseum The Colosseum is also famously known as Flavian
Amphitheatre and is a huge arena that has been the main symbol of Italy and Rome for
all of its life.
Every year more than 6 million people add it to their bucket list while traveling and
visit it.
Why?
Well other than its ancient aesthetic appeal, this area has a history as old as 2000 years.
Who would want to miss out on that, right?
This huge arena was built back in 70-80 AD, the construction work started somewhere between
70 CD to 72 CE while Vespasian was reigning over the area.
Back in the old days, this wasn’t a clear area ready to have construction done upon
it, no.
Here, was the famous Nero’s Golden House.
Right where the colosseum is built today, 2000 years ago, there used to be an artificial
lake that was drained up.
Vespasian’s idea was that the palace of a tyrannical emperor who lived there previously
should be taken down to make a place where thousands and thousands of Romans could entertain
themselves.
This gift for the Roman people by Vespasian was opened during the reign of Vespasian’s
eldest son, Titus, and was completed while the reign of his son Domitian was going on.
During this period, the area was opened for the public and once it was completed, it was
found that the Colosseum had around four stories, was 57 meters high with 188 meters in length,
and 156 meters wide.
Purpose of Colosseum So, why did Vespasian feel the need to make
such a huge location?
What was supposed to be done in there?
Well, this is the fun part.
The Colosseum was made for the people of Rome to be able to enjoy some of the finest and
enjoyable spectacles of all time.
Here, 50,000 people could be seated at one time which is as big as a football stadium!
Vespasian wanted to revitalize Rome.
He felt that the place had gone through enough torture and turmoil after 69 CE and hence
this entertainment venue was created.
Here gladiator fights, mock naval battles, and animals’ hunts used to be carried out
for the public to view.
Here, ordinary people could come in and view the generosity and the wealth of the famous
emperors and view them in person.
The spectacles and games would often go on from dawn till nightfall each day and a chariot
procession would kick off the event every day with salutations given to the emperors.
Here, various comedic duals would also be carried out between dwarfs, women, and disabled
people who would use weapons made out of wood.
Then the gladiators would come in with their gleaming swords and nets.
Next, the public could view different animals getting hunted.
These weren’t just normal animals but dangerous ones such as lions, elephants, tigers, and
even whales!
The Missing Half, Where Did it Go?
You take a child to view the Colosseum and the first question they will ask you is why
is it broken or where the other half went.
Thankfully, we have answers to all your queries.
Today, what 6 million tourists see when they visit the Colosseum is a broken area with
half of it gone.
There was severe damage done to this site back during the great earthquake of 1349.
During this earthquake, the outer side of the arena collapsed.
The tumble from the collapse was then used for building churches, palaces, and buildings
in other areas of Rome.
While it is true that a long series of earthquakes damaged the arena, it was also damaged due
to neglect of the authorities as no one bothered to work on it.
It is said that by the 20th century began, around two-thirds of the Colosseum had been
destroyed with no reparations done.
Even today, it is said that this famous and ancient arena with centuries and centuries'
worth of history is crumbling.
It has been said to be in the state of emergency for quite some years now as the travertine
stone of the area is flaking.
Not just that, but its foundation which is over 2000 years old is also getting weak every
day because of an underground stream.
It would be safe to say that the fall of the western roman empire brought on the fall and
deterioration of the Colosseum as well.
And that’s it for today, folks!
Are you thinking of visiting Rome shortly?
We suggest you book your tickets and get ready to view these famous ancient monuments while
you have the chance.
We hope you enjoyed this brief glimpse into history.
Stay tuned with us for more exciting content!