The Colosseum: The Flavian Amphitheater

The Colosseum of the Flavian Amphitheater is one of the oldest structures still existing. It is a showcase of ancient Roman architecture and engineering. It sits at the center of Rome with a capacity of 50,000 people. Although, because of the ruin state of its interior, it is not used as a venue for large events but its exterior can be used as a backdrop.

The 9^th Emperor or Rome, Vespasian (Flavius) has ordered the construction the colosseum from the his generals’ share of the booty or treasures they have captured during the Great Jewish Revolt in 70 AD and has become a monument that celebrates Roman victory. Dio Cassius, a noted Roman consul and historian writing in Greek has said that 9,000 wild animals have been killed during the inauguration games in the colosseum. It has been a center of entertainment with battling gladiators, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of legendary battles and drama based on Roman mythology.

By the 6^th century, it has ceased to be an entertainment spot. A church has been erected into the edifice of the Colosseum and the arena has become a cemetery. By the 1200, during the European patricians, the Frangipani family, a powerful Roman patrician (family that holds political functions) has used the Colosseum as a fortified castle.

In 1349, the Colosseum has suffered great damage from an earthquake that has collapsed its southern wall into the ground. Most of the stones that have fallen have been used to build churches, palaces and hospitals. In 1749, Pope Benedict XIV has declared the colosseum sacred in memory of the Christian believers who have been martyred in the theater. However, there have been no evidence to back up the claim.

Today, the Colosseum or the Flavian Amphitheater is Rome’s most popular tourist attraction. Millions of tourists visit the old amphitheater every year. I surely wish to be one of those.

Images and info above courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colosseum

Rome: the Ancient City

At a certain time in history, all roads have led to Rome, the capital of the mighty Roman Empire, the governing power in Western Europe for at least 700 years from 100 BC to 700 AD. 

From 800 AD, it has become the seat of Papal States until 1870. In 1871, it has become the capital of the Kingdom of Italy until 1946 when the Italian people have adapted a republican constitution. Since then, it has become the capital of the Italian Republic or Italy.

Rome is the eleventh most-visited city in the world and the third most visited in the European Union. Undoubtedly, it is the most popular tourist attraction in Italy. UNESCO has listed its historic center as a World Heritage Site. The Vatican Museums and the Colosseum are among the world's fifty most visited tourist destinations. According to reports, the Vatican Museums receive four point two million tourists and the Colosseum receive four million tourists every year.

Rome’s rich archaeological and architectural treasures make it the most significant tourist destination in the world.

Recently, Rome has beaten London in becoming the world’s fourth most important center for fashion. Milan remains on top along with Paris and New York.  Fashion houses and jewellery chains, such as Bulgari, Fendi, Laura Biagiotti and Brioni (fashion), are in Rome.

When visiting Italy, you must not miss the ancient city of Rome.

Image above courtesy of:

http://www.eventservices-rome.com/