Page 96 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Rome

94  ROME AREA B Y AREA

j Colosseum

Rome’s greatest amphitheater was commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian in
AD 72 on the marshy site of a lake in the grounds of Nero’s palace, the Domus Aurea
(see p177). Deadly gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights were staged by the emperor
and wealthy citizens for public viewing, free of charge. The Colosseum was built to a
practical design, with its 80 arched entrances allowing easy access for 55,000 spectators,
but it is also a building of great beauty. The drawing here shows how it looked at the
time of its opening in AD 80. It was one of several similar amphitheaters built in
the Roman Empire, and some survive at El Djem in North Africa,
Nîmes and Arles in France, and Verona in northern Italy.
Despite being damaged over the years by neglect
and theft, it remains a majestic sight.

KEY
1 The bollards anchored the
velarium.
2 The outer walls are made of
travertine. Stone plundered from
the facade during the Renaissance
was used to build several palaces,
bridges, and parts of St. Peter’s.
3 The vomitorium was the exit used
from each numbered section.
4 Brick formed the inner walls.
5 Entry routes to take the spectators
to their seats were reached by means
of staircases to the various levels of the
amphitheater.
6 The podium was a large terrace
where the emperor and the wealthy
upper classes had their seats.
7 The velarium was a huge awning
that shaded spectators
from the sun. Supported on poles
attached to the upper story of the
building, it was then hoisted into
position with ropes anchored to
bollards outside the stadium.
8 Corinthian columns
9 Ionic columns
0 Doric columns
q Arched entrances, 80 in total,
were all numbered to speed up
the entry of the vast crowds.

72 Emperor Vespasian begins work on the Colosseum 1312 Emperor Henry VII
230 Colosseum A gladiator’s gives Colosseum to
restored by 248 Thousandth anniversary celebration of shield the Senate and
Alexander founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus people of Rome
Severus 442 Building damaged in an earthquake
0 400 800 1200
81–96 Amphitheater 523 Wild animal fights banned 1200s Frangipane family
completed in reign turns Colosseum into
of Domitian 404 Gladiatorial combats banned a fortress
1749 Colosseum
15th–16th centuries Ruins used as quarry. dedicated to
80 Vespasian’s son, Titus, stages inaugural festival Travertine blocks recycled by popes Passion of Jesus
in the amphitheater. It lasts 100 days

US_094-095_EW_Rome_US.indd 94 15/03/17 4:19 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.9)
Date 28th August 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm