The Colosseum Eily Shaw CONSTRUCTION Began in 72

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 2 nd & 3 rd 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 reenactments

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

Digital rendering of the Classical Era Colosseum

Cross section of Colosseum’s seating

Interior view

Modern day