The Coliseum in Rome. Antique Stadium

The Colosseum in Rome ... The scale and outlines of this grandiose building, which, incidentally, will soon be two thousand years old, still make a strong impression on everyone who sees it. Its name was received a little later. Ironically, it came from a column of Nero standing nearby. The memory of the eccentric Nero, according to Vespasian's plan, was designed to eclipse the new amphitheater in the minds of the Romans. Hard to believe, but the Colosseum in Rome was built in just eight years. Manually, with the help of primitive mechanisms from levers and blocks. With the delivery of granite and marble monoliths from quarries, located 30 kilometers from the capital of the Great Empire, in Tivoli.

The Coliseum in Rome. Architectural features and a brief history

Until now, the accuracy of the engineering calculations of this structure is striking. In the building of the Colosseum, a combination of external lightness and reliability of the entire supporting structure has been achieved. The system of arched ceilings evenly distributes the load along the entire perimeter. All the largest modern world stadiums, from Brazil to China inclusive, are built on the same principles as the Colosseum in Rome. But in 72 AD no one looked that far. Emperor Titus Flavius Vespasian just wanted to make the Romans pleasant, and at the same time and build a plot of land with a pond, recently belonged to Nero. It was at the site of the pond that the Coliseum arena was laid. The opening of the Flavian Amphitheater - exactly at that time the building was officially named - took place in the year 80, and was marked by multi-day performances, including gladiator fights and bestial baiting. On this scene, many of the early Christians, who were persecuted in Rome in the first and second centuries, found their agonizing death.

Gladiators shed blood for three and a half centuries, until such spectacle was not banned in 405 by the emperor of the West Roman Honorius. After that, only animal savagery was conducted in the arena. Often the Colosseum served as a fortress for warring clans in internecine wars (in the Middle Ages). Over time, the amphitheater came to desolation and collapsed. He was badly damaged by the earthquake in the middle of the fourteenth century. Not less damage to the ancient monument was inflicted by influential Roman feudal lords, who took away the remains of the once powerful construction of the amphitheater for building materials for their own mansions and administrative buildings.

The Colosseum in Rome, how to find it

But closer to the new times, the Roman authorities began to appreciate the architectural heritage of the ancient era and cared for the safety of what was left of it. The world fame of the monument made him respect. The question of where the Coliseum is located in Rome was of interest to all visitors. And this, among other things, was also a huge commercial potential. Today the amphitheater is partially restored and restored, technical measures are taken to prevent further destruction of structures. Sometimes on his stage operas and dramatic performances are staged. An important administrative gesture: in the post office was officially issued and received the registration of the Colosseum. In Rome, his address is included in the official postal register. You can write letters.