The Roman Coliseum is one of the oldest landmarks of the world. Also called Flavian Amphitheatre, it was used for multiple uses such as animal hunts, executions, mock naval battles, and the most famous, gladiator shows. This magnificent building has a rich history and still one of the romans prized possessions. Some of the most interesting points about this ancient ruin include the construction of the coliseum, the games held during the events and also the history behind this magnificent building To begin, the construction of the coliseum began around 70 A.D by Emperor Vespasian. In 79 A.D Emperor Vespasian died, and the construction of the coliseum was taken over by his son Titus. A year later in 80 A.D the coliseum was finally completed. The coliseum was build of travertine stone blocks. It measures to be about five hundred twenty-seven meters in circumference, diameter of a hundred eighty-nine and a hundred fifty-six meters, and it stands four story high wall is about forty-eight meters tall1. There are five sections of the coliseum: the substructure, arena, seating, circulation system, and the awnings. The substructure is the area where they held the gladiators and animals below the coliseum. There were thirty-two cages that led them through a series of passageways and lifts that eventually made its way to the arena. Handlers were able to look down on the beast and prisoners for safety and they also could operate the lifts to pull them up. These same lifts in the substructure were also used to move the scenery used in certain shows. When they were not in use, the trapdoors would be closed shut and then covered up with sand. Next, the substructure lead a series of cages that led up to the arena. This area held the performances that took place. It was covered in sand which use was to absorb the blood of combatants. The high parapet was also an important structure because it kept the people in the front stalls, usually the senators, safe
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