Colosseum – Iconic Symbol of Imperial Rome

The beautiful masterpiece of ancient roman architecture is Colosseum.It is also called as Roman Coliseum or Colosseo.It is an elliptical amphitheatre called as flavian amphitheatre.

The building was constructed for and by emperors Vespasian and Titus in 1^st century AD. It was started between 70 and 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD. This architecture was located at center of the city of Rome, Itlay.

Exterior architecture is an elliptical plan of 189mts long and 156mts wide with a base area of 6 acres. The height of outer wall is 48mts which required over 100000 cubic meters of travertine stone. There were 76 entrances on the ground floor.

Interior seating arrangement is done in tier form which reflects stratified nature of roman society. This seating arrangement is capable of 50000 viewers.

The opening function of Colosseum was celebrated for 100 days during this time many games were held which were of bloody nature. It was estimated that about 90,000 wild animals were killed.

The most common fights held at Colosseum were that of Gladiatorial fights and others were the fights in between animals and prisoners of the empire. Mock naval battles and chariot races were also held occasionally.

It is partially destroyed due to the damage caused by earth quakes and stone-robbers. Today it is a major tourist attraction place and tourists must pay to view the interior arena. Today there is even a museum located in the upper floor of the outer wall of the building.

When one goes to Italy to know the architectural and engineering skills of Romans visit Colosseum stadium.