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 9th 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 6th 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.
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