The Colosseum
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
archway
pilasters
Description
partial view
exterior 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
Peters01541
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/13112.
Item Relations
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