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The Colosseum. Eily Shaw. CONSTRUCTION. Began in 72 CE, under Emperor Vespasian Completed in 80 CE, under Emperor Titus Further modifications in 81-96 CE, under Emperor Domitian Originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre. FEATURES. 80 different entrances (Ground level)
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The Colosseum • Eily Shaw
CONSTRUCTION • Began in 72 CE, under Emperor Vespasian • Completed in 80 CE, under Emperor Titus • Further modifications in 81-96 CE, under Emperor Domitian • Originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre
FEATURES • 80 different entrances (Ground level) • Limestone, brick, concrete, marble, bronze and iron clamping and pins, wooden seating (interior) • 615 ft. long, 510 ft. wide, 157 ft. tall (base area - 6 acres) • Stadium floor - 287 ft. long, 10 ft. wide, 15 ft. wall • Exterior - arches with a half column on either side • 2nd & 3rd floors had statues in each arch • Used to be an awning covering entire colosseum • Outer wall used to completely surround
PURPOSES • Sitting: 40,000 • Standing: 70,000 • Gladiatorial games, sports competitions, animal hunts and fights, battle re-enactments, mythological dramas, executions, festivals • Occasionally flooded for naval battle re-enactments
HISTORY (1/3) • Built in the spot of a villa of Nero’s • Emperor Vespasian returned the land to the people • Built with money from the booty of the Great Jewish Revolt of 70 CE • Built in centre of Rome - a people’s monument • Admission was free
HISTORY (2/3) • Over 9,000 animals killed during inaugural games • Emperor Domitian added underground tunnels to house animals and slaves, a gallery to the top to increase seating • 217 CE - Fire destroyed the wooden interior levels • 240 CE - Fully repaired • 443 CE - Major earthquake, repairs made • 435 CE - Last gladiatorial fights • 523 CE - Last animal hunts
HISTORY (3/3) • Stopped being used for entertainment in Early Medieval Era • 1349 - Earthquake • Stones taken for other buildings - Colosseum not fully repaired • Repurposed as housing, cemetery, Christian shrine • People would steal stone, bronze, statues