The problem of crowd control inside the Colosseum was addressed using the same solution we use today: numerous entrance and exit points. A total of 80 entrances were used in the amphitheater, out of which 76 were numbered and the rest unnumbered. The numbered entrances were used by the common citizens, while the Emperor and other significant folks used the other gates, which were grander and more elaborate. The spectators were allocated tokens to help them find the seats assigned.
The whole building could be evacuated in a couple of minutes owing to an ingenious system of stairs, corridors and entrance gates. The amphitheater hosted Velarium , a retractable overhang, to shield the spectators from the sun and the rain.
The Velarium was made up of canvas and net and covered over two-thirds of the structure. The amphitheater could hold about 50, spectators at a time, who were seated in a tiered pattern which mimicked their social stature. The North end and South end provided the best view and were reserved for the Emperor and Vestal Virgins. On the same level, there were seats for the Senators. The first tier of seating was reserved for knights and other nobles.
The above strata were meant for common citizens; the wealthy took the lower seats, and the poor took upper ones. Another story was later added to the amphitheater, which provided space for women and the poor. It was mostly seat-less and the spectators had to enjoy the show standing all the time.
Moreover, this upper story was about m from the center of the arena, which really ruined the spectator experience. The Flavian Amphitheater was one of the most happening places in not just Rome, but all over the world. The gladiator fights are most iconic of myriads of events that took place in the arena. Two gladiators fighting to the death, hurting each other presented a joyful sport for the Romans. Another famous event was wild animal hunting.
E xotic animals from Africa and the Middle East were brought to the Colosseum where they were used in different performances. Most of the other games were equally gory, heinous and cruel. These games were frequently organized, sometimes continuously for tens of days. Some less violent activities also had their place in the arena. Mythological legends were often enacted by the performers. For such events, extensive sceneries and props were employed to make things as lively as possible.
The valor of the heroes, the power of the Gods and the death of some eminent figures was the subject of such enactments. There are also records of processions and sacrifices being performed in the arena. Animal sacrifices were made to the gods before the games to ask for gods' favor and to appease them.
But the most wonderful events at the Colosseum were the enactment of sea warfare. The arena was filled with water and specially trained horses and oxen were used in the battle. Men with weapons and their ships fought these mock wars; this made a great show for the Romans.
Such sea battles were held even at the initial days of games under Emperor Titus. The Colosseum fulfilled many other purposes other than showcasing social prestige and might of the Roman Emperors. It served as a source of distraction for the unemployed and unsatisfied Plebs the citizens ; this helped in keeping a social unrest at bay.
The events at the amphitheater were used to spread propaganda for the Roman Emperors. It helped them in reaching masses and instill a sense of fear and obedience in the heart of the public. Since the amphitheater was used as a site of criminal executions, a large number of Christians convicted for blasphemy were executed here.
The church holds this place sacred in the remembrance of the martyrdom of the faithful Christians. With an impressive tenure period of the Romans, Colosseum enjoyed the attraction of the Romans for a very long time. It was not until 3rd century that the Colosseum started losing its stature.
Cultural changes promoted by Christians altered people's view of the violent games of the Colosseum. The gladiator fights, animal hunt, and sacrifices were soon labeled inhumane and cruel acts. Even the Emperors and the priests distanced themselves from the games in order to appear modest and humane. The church encouraged people to attend the religious events and stop visiting Colosseum. The events and games at the Colosseum were too grand and costly. Surely one of the most enigmatic monuments ever constructed on Planet Earth, The Colosseum is the finest example of the richness of Roman architecture.
Though the structure stands in ruins today, it has definitely stood the test of time to be an iconic structure that architecture enthusiasts across the globe have bowed down to for centuries. In this post of our Architecture Feature series, we bring to you some important details about the Colosseum, which is nothing short of a true marvel:.
The most spectacular attraction in Italy, the Colosseum is located towards the eastern side of the Roman Forum in Rome. It is the largest amphitheatre in the world, which is said to have been capable of accommodating up to spectators at one time.
Google Web Search. Links on Roman Colosseum The Colosseum. Great Buildings. Subscribers - login to skip ads. Rome , Italy map. Construction System. Also spelled "Coliseum". Photo, exterior overview. Photo, closer exterior overview. Photo, arches and vaulting, looking circumferentially. Photo, looking in through an arch. Photo, looking across the arena.
Colosseum from southwest. Three-quarters engaged Doric columns, lower arcade, north side. Ionic engaged columns, middle arcade, north side. Corinthian columns, upper arcade, north side. Upper walls, north side. Entrance, west end. Interior, north side - original marble seating - from east.
Interior, viewing west. Interior, looking east. West end, viewing north. Detail Drawing. Elevation Drawing. Plan Drawing. Section Drawing. Located on marshy land between the Esquiline and Caelian Hills, it was the first permanent amphitheater to be built in Rome. Its monumental size and grandeur as well as its practical and efficient organization for producing spectacles and controlling the large crowds make it one of the great architectural monuments achieved by the ancient Romans.
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