Wednesday, August 6, 2014

The Colosseum!


Later on Monday afternoon, we visited the Colosseum, which was an amphitheater built by Vespasian in 70 AD and finished by Titus in 80 AD.  It is an amphitheater but it got its name from the giant statute of gilt bronze of Colossus of Nero. For this reason, according to our tour guide, no other stadium or amphitheater should be called a colosseum.

 


The Colosseum was built to keep the disgruntled Roman citizens placated with ceremonies and games that included wild animals and gladiators fighting to the death. 

 
 
To organize the 70,000 Romans, the Colosseum was built with 80 arches at ground level that were progressively numbered with 160 outlets allowing visitors to find their places via convenient steps. Tickets were stones with a series of numbers identifying the arch, level and seat spot.  There was once an enormous awning that protected the spectators.


 By 438 AD, gladiator fighting had been abolished.  The last show was held in 523 AD. 



Tuesday - Pompeii!

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