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TRAVEL: The Colosseum of Italy

August 14, 2008 – 4:29 pm

The Colosseum is located in Rome, Italy. It is an amphitheatre, its original name is Flavian Amphitheatre, but it is also known as Coliseum. Emperor Vespasian started its building process in 70 AD. It took a long time. The theater was completed only in 80 AD.

Why such a place was built? What was its function? For what people used it? The Colosseum was used as an arena. Emperors held gladiator contests. Public shows, war plays, dramas based on mythology were all performed in the Colosseum. The main reason of holding such organizations was entertaining public and showing power of emperor. The function of the building changed with time. Rather than entertainment, it was used for commercial reasons, housing, shopping and religion.

Architecture of Colosseum
Now the Colosseum is not in good conditions due to earthquakes and devastating effects of time. Additionally, stone robbing caused great damage. However, the sight of it is still great. It is one of the most charming historical buildings of the world. It is the symbol of power of Roman Empire.

In the walls of Colosseum travertine and iron were used. The building is elliptical. The outer wall is 48 meters, the elliptical side takes 189 meters and the area is 24.000 m². There are eight entrance of the building. The Colosseum was designed to hold thousands of spectators. Predictions show that the building can host more than 80.00 people; it is a great number, isn’t it? The building was designed level by level. At that age, class system was rigid. There were different levels for different classes. Levels were divided for nobles, knights, slaves, women, gladiators, wealthy people.

Arena is the main part of the Coliseum. This part was designed separately. A wooden ground covered with sand, it was suitable for gladiators. The hypogeum, designed for the service of game, was built in the shape of tunnels. Organizations, games, activities at such a building create a sector. There were stores around the Colosseum providing necessities of spectators and gladiators.

Colosseum and Christianity
When the Colosseum was built, it was not regarded as a religious place. Rather than religion, it was associated with entertainment. However, the Coliseum is an important place for Christianity. With time, it became a place of martyrdom and pilgrimage. Becoming a popular religious spot for Christians began with Pope Pius V. Pilgrims was expected to collect sand from the arena with his suggestion. There were saints living near the building. Religious people served to the Coliseum, they repaired, restored the building. Every Easter, Good Friday crosses are found in the arena and a performance depicting the last hours of Jesus Christ is acted under the control of Pope.

Visiting Colosseum
The Colosseum is a tourism center. Being the greatest building of Roman Empire, with its charming sight it attracts millions of tourists every year. In 2007, it was selected as one of the New Wonders of the World.

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