The Colosseum

https://www.myweb.ttu.edu/saschuma/Peters01413.jpg

VRA Core

Title

The Colosseum
Amphitheatrum Flavium

Agent

Work begun by Caesar Vespasianus Augustus (Roman emperor, 9-79 CE) and continued by his son Titus Flavius Vespasianus, Emperor of Rome (Roman emperor, 39-81 CE)

Location

Rome, Roma, Italy
Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
41°53'24.6"N 12°29'32.3"E

Date

69-80 CE
1st Century

Style Period

Flavian

Cultural Context

Roman

Worktype

stadium

Material

travertine
tufa
concrete

Technique

masonry construction

Measurements

maximum length of 187 m (612 ft) x maximum width of 157 m (515ft)

Subject

architecture and city planning
arena
Ancient Roman
arches

Description

partial view
interior view
Begun by Vespasian in AD 70, the Colosseum was completed by his son Titus in AD 80. Its construction and design became the model for stadium architecture. Consisting of four arcaded stories, the first three each have eighty arches, framed respectively by engaged Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns. Seventy-six of these arches are numbered to direct spectators to their assigned seats. An attic, which serves as the fourth story, has Corinthian pilasters framing bays that alternate between windows and large decorative shields of gilded bronze, which were added by Domitian. It was estimated to hold between 50,000 to 80,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, and re-enactments of famous battles. The building ceased to be used for entertainment by the Early Middle Ages and was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine. It remains partially in a ruined state due to devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers.

Rights

© Michael Peters
© Texas Tech University Libraries
Users must request permission from the copyright holder for all use in publications, including theses and dissertations.

ID

Peters01413

Source

Michael Peters

Collection

Citation

The Colosseum, 69-80 CE, Rome, Roma, Italy, TTU Arch Design Images. Image Source: Michael Peters. https://archimage.lib.ttu.edu/items/show/13061.

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