What Is The Colosseum In Roman Culture
Shivam Kaushal
Historical Investigation Part III- Report
What were the various purposes and the significances of the Colosseum to Rome and Roman culture?
The Roman Colosseum was more than a mere colossal monument. It served many purposes and held significance not just culturally but both architecturally and politically. Though its history leaves an unavoidable trail of blood and death, it’s still regarded as an important milestone in the history of human art and architecture.
Before the construction of the Colosseum there was no structure in Rome that specialized in providing the increasingly popular gladiatorial games. Its primary purpose was entertainment and it was a significant part of the Roman culture as entertainment is a primary part in viewing and perhaps defining a …show more content…
Bear in mind this was not typical entertainment like today. The Colosseum didn’t involve JUST plays. It involved violence. Entertainment in the Colosseum was provided in several ways. Most of these methods involved death and destruction much to the pleasure of the crowd. What the Colosseum was famous (perhaps even infamous) for, however, was animal fights, gladiatorial fights, executions and man vs animal fights etc. According to Dio Cassius over 9000 animals were killed during the inaugural games which were said to have lasted for 100 days. Different historians present different animals that were slaughtered so no actual strong evidence of the animals that were used therefore it’s up to the readers on what they choose to be correct. Dio notes a hunt involving cranes and another involving elephants whilst another historian named Marshal mentions elephants, lions, leopards, tigers, hares, pigs, bulls, rhinos, hippos etc. These animals were kept in cages directly beneath the wooden floor of the arena. There were a number of trapdoors under the floor of the arena which concealed these animals
Historical Investigation Part III- Report
What were the various purposes and the significances of the Colosseum to Rome and Roman culture?
The Roman Colosseum was more than a mere colossal monument. It served many purposes and held significance not just culturally but both architecturally and politically. Though its history leaves an unavoidable trail of blood and death, it’s still regarded as an important milestone in the history of human art and architecture.
Before the construction of the Colosseum there was no structure in Rome that specialized in providing the increasingly popular gladiatorial games. Its primary purpose was entertainment and it was a significant part of the Roman culture as entertainment is a primary part in viewing and perhaps defining a …show more content…
Bear in mind this was not typical entertainment like today. The Colosseum didn’t involve JUST plays. It involved violence. Entertainment in the Colosseum was provided in several ways. Most of these methods involved death and destruction much to the pleasure of the crowd. What the Colosseum was famous (perhaps even infamous) for, however, was animal fights, gladiatorial fights, executions and man vs animal fights etc. According to Dio Cassius over 9000 animals were killed during the inaugural games which were said to have lasted for 100 days. Different historians present different animals that were slaughtered so no actual strong evidence of the animals that were used therefore it’s up to the readers on what they choose to be correct. Dio notes a hunt involving cranes and another involving elephants whilst another historian named Marshal mentions elephants, lions, leopards, tigers, hares, pigs, bulls, rhinos, hippos etc. These animals were kept in cages directly beneath the wooden floor of the arena. There were a number of trapdoors under the floor of the arena which concealed these animals