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Colosseum
or Flavian Amphitheatre |
The Flavian Amphitheatre, better known
as the Colosseum, is probably the most famous monument
in the world: this elliptical colossal construction,
with a height of 48mt, has impressed and fascinated
men of all Ages. It was with no doubt the most favourite
place by the Romans, who came to prefer above all other
entertainment the slaughter of men armed to kill and
be killed for their amusement. The amphitheatre consisted
of four floors. The first floor was 11,50mt high adorned
by halfcolumns of the Doric order.
The second floor, in the Ionic order,
was 11,85mt high. The third floor, in the Corintian
order, was 11,60 mt high. The fourth floor consisted
of a plain wall with projecting corbels which supported
the bases of the masts to which on days of strong sun
were attached the strips of giant awning which sheltered
the spectators. Staircases and galleries led the crowd
to the different tiers of seats. Under the galleries,
running all the way round, there were all kind of vendors:
refreshments, souvenirs, chick-peas, cushions and covers
for the night shows… everything was available.
From the parapets of the top sections it was possible
to enjoy a splendid view on the biggest city of the
world.
The creator of this grandiose work
is unknown, it may be Rabirius, architect of Domitian,
or a certain Gaudentius. It was begun under Vespasian,
as a symbol of the grandeur of the Roman Empire, and
inaugurated by the Emperor Titus in the year 80 A.D.
It stands in a valley between the Esquiline, the Caelius
and the Palatine Hill within the domain of the Golden
House, Domus Aurea, where one of the costly fish-ponds
of Nero was expressely filled in for the purpose. There
was no victory, religious feast, anniversary which was
not celebrated with these bloody games.
About 70.000 spectators greedly followed
these spectacular scenes of carnage: the Retiarii, carrying
a net and a trident, were usually pitted against the
Murmillones, who wore a helmet crowned with a sea fish;
the Samnites carrying the shield and sword, against
the Thracians, with buckler and dagger. In one of these
games staged by the Emperor Trajan which lasted 117
days some 9000 gladiators lost their lives. The games
usually lasted from dawn to dusk, although sometimes
they were prolonged into the night.
The bloodiest duels, the so-called
“sportule” invented by Emperor Claudius,
were wild combats in which hundred of gladiators fought
and in a twinkling the stage was strewn with corpses.
Wild beasts and criminals were imprisoned in the underground
chambers and dragged into the arena where an excited
public was waiting. Inside the Colosseum many Christians
were persecuted and killed. In 313 A.D. Constantine
decreed the condemnation of gladiatorial shows and proclamed
the Toleration of Christianity.
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