Colosso
July 26, 2001
On the taxi ride from the airport we were driving through the streets of Rome when all of a sudden this very old, round thing with archways appears, with a very long line of people around it. We were relaxing in the taxi when the Coliseum suddenly appeared before us, most unexpectedly. What a sight that was ! As soon as we checked into the "4" we figured out how to get back to the Coliseum and went right back to it. Here are some pictures of the Coliseum and us around it. It really is quite spectacular.
Here is a set of pictures showing the outside of the coliseum and the inside. Though the outside looks quite spectacular, you still have to imagine what it looked like back in the Roman days. That's because almost all of the marble and other stone has, over the years, been removed, leaving just the foundations. The second picture is from the inside of the coliseum and shows the rooms and pathways that existed underneath the wooden flooring of the arena. This is where the animals, slaves, and gladiators were kept. It was quite a labyrinth of pathways and rooms. Quite amazing. The third picture, of Steve and Connor inside the coliseum, really shows how just the foundation is left, and gives an idea of what it must have looked like with all the marble in place and the roof (Velarium) overhead. Patti joins us in the last picture just for fun.
Here are a few facts on the coliseum for those so inclined. It was built in the Flavian style and is actually an amphitheater. It got the name Colosso after the huge statue of Nero, known as the colossus, was situated nearby. It is no longer there. The coliseum was started by Vespasian in the year 72 and completed by his son Titus in the year 80. 100 days of festivities followed it's inauguration. It could hold up to 50,000 people. The arena would even be flooded periodically so that naval battles could be re-enacted. It originally contained columns representing each of the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders. The arena could be emptied of all it's spectators as quickly as our modern day arenas.
On the grounds of the Colosso was also the Arc du Constantino. Here is a picture where you can see it is right next to the coliseum. It was erected in 312 to celebrate Constantine's victory over Mexntius in the battle of Milvian Bridge. The monument contains medallions and reliefs spoliated from earlier imperial monuments. It is remarkably well preserved and spectacular.
We can be such tourists sometimes ! But, hey, at least we admit it ! Here we are playing gladiator games with one of the many gladiators outside the coliseum who will do just about anything for a few lire. This guy at least looked like he could be a gladiator.
Last Updated Tuesday August14, 2001 23:04 PM CET