The Colosseum

The Colosseum in Rome served as an arena of death for many people. As many as 50,000 people crowded into the structure to watch mock naval battles, gladiator combat, and battles between men and animals. Many people died in these battles, many of which who were prisoners of war and people of different religions. Although what the crowd witnessed was gruesome, they continued to pack the Colosseum whenever there was an event.

The Roman Colosseum represents the height of Roman engineering. It still stands in the center of modern Rome, a relic that that seems out of place in the modern world. Standing 157 feet high, 620 feet long, and 510 feet wide, the structure’s dimensions are not unimpressive.

The exterior of the Colosseum is made up of brick and stone. The first 3 stories are made up of beautiful stone arches. The fourth story was added later and thus, is not as elaborate in design. An interesting addition to the Colosseum was large awnings that protected the crowds from the scorching sun. Beneath the arena floor is a complex series of passages, were the gladiators readied for battle and animals were held. A feat of engineering, the arena could be filled with water to simulate naval battles.

The Colosseum was an engineering marvel in its day, and it still stands, representing the glory and brutality of the Roman Empire.

We have a total of four pictures of the Colosseum taken by a student who went on a European trip for his History class.  (The pictures are edited for size)  Since four pictures clutter the page we have given you the option of choosing one at a time to view using a drop box.  (Your browser must support JavaScript)

If for some reason the picture will not change, then your browser does not support JavaScript or it is not enabled.   Click here to see all four pictures.

Site for further Information

    "Roman Art and Architecture"
    http://harpy.uccs.edu/roman/html/roman.html

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