The Colosseum has many different spellings some say Colosseum some say Coliseum however in italian it is simply Colosseo. There is however, another more formal name for the Colosseum and that is the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the Coliseum, 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.
For a truly memorable experience, why not visit the restricted areas of the coliseum that are usually closed to the public? Get VIP special access, to the arena where the Gladiators used to fight, and to the underground tunnels of the Coliseum, then finally, you can enjoy a stunning view of the city from the upper third level of the Coliseum
if you want a hotel located in the heart of Rome right by the Colosseum the see the Hotel Forum - four star hotel in Rome , the view from the hotel's webcam overlooks the Roman Forum and you can even see the tip of the Coliseum. More hotels in this area includeMaikol Hotel in Rome.
The Colosseums 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 proclaimed the Toleration of Christianity.
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