Colosseum, Rome, Italy
History of Art Chapter Name
Colosseum is one of the icon forms of architecture in the Roman Empire. Its construction began under the leadership of Emperor Vespasian [69-79] in 72 AD. He could not complete it; however, his son Titus [79-81] took over the mantle from him and completed the construction in 80 AD. The colosseum was built on a site near an artificial lake that was created by Nero. The site was between the valleys between hills in front of his palace that was referred to as Domus Aurea Palace. The building was called Flavian Amphitheatre after a family name of one of the emperors that was involved in its construction. Later, the name was changed to colosseum in the 7th century, which was derived from the Nero colossal statue that was at the place that the building was erected. The form of art went through various art chapters. In renaissance, period, between the 14th and 17th century, colosseum had been dilapidated. Other new forms of art emerged.
Artist, Community
The amphitheatre was built at the centre of Roma in Italy. It was the highest form of architecture innovation during this time. The Romans at that time were led by the emperors and kingship. Therefore, the Colloseum replicated the beliefs and the traditional of the people of Romans. The amphitheatre is considered to be the greatest work in Roman architectural and engineering field. The arena only took 10 years to be completed and was a remarkable piece of architecture that most people in the world had never seen.
Innovation in the design
The design of the Colloseum was magnificent and had not been replicated anywhere in the world. The architectures behind the building were creative in the whole process of building the Colloseum. It is designed in a form of an ellipse and has tied seating arrangements. In its construction, various kinds of materials were used. Concrete was used to construct the foundation to make it stronger. More inventions were made by the Romans on durable materials that would enable them to build stronger and bigger buildings. The arcades and piers were constructed by use of travertine stones that were mined from the Roman hills called Latium. Softer volcanic rocks known as Tufa were used to fill the piers of the wall to give it strength. Therefore, the Romans were innovative in the construction. They also borrowed some details from their counterparts the Greeks and improvised on their ideas. The arena was well built to ensure that it was stable.
Features of the Colloseum
The whole arena took a space of 6 acres that measured 188 x 156 meters. The base of the arena covered six acres. On the exterior of the Colosseum, it has 80 entrances that allowed people to enter at once. It has also two principal doors that were reserved for the emperor and his convoy. In interior, it was made of marble, brick and tufa. The central area was covered with wood and canvas that was aimed at making it waterproof. Above this was a layer of sand, which served a purpose of absorbing blood from the wildest and lions and other animals that were killed during the combat. A wall of 5 meters was erected around the arena, which was used as a barrier to protect spectators from any attacks from the wild beasts. The podium was at the top of the wall that the very important persons sat and where parties were conducted from. Seating was divided into three tiers. The lower arena was reserved for the knights, the top par was reserved for the general public, while the middle section was a reserve of the wealthy citizens. The whole arena was therefore able to host approximately 50000 people seated and additional 10000 standing.
Functions of the Colloseum
The arena was used for many functions. It was used to host different games that attracted huge spectators. The most popular games that people came in large numbers to watch included hunts also called vexations and munerae also referred to as gladiatorial games. The incumbent emperor, Domitian, build more four ludi. These included prisons that acted as training ground for gladiators, bastiarii referring to gladiators who used to fight lions, beasts tigers and others. Other functions of the arena was to host public spectacles that included activities such as hunting for animals, mock sea battles, re-enactment of famous battles, executions, and even dramas were conducted, which was based on the classical mythology of the Romans. The colosseum was also used as an entertainment place. It is believed that it was used as an entertainment area for an estimate of 450 years. It was also used as a Christian shrine. Christians believed that some of their Faithfull’s were killed at the arena because of their faith. Therefore, the Catholics always visit the place during Good Friday celebrations led by Pope in their way of cross procession to remember the martyrs who lost their lives there.
Alterations on the Colloseum
Since its erection, the arena has numerous alterations and additions. Other storeys were burnt down by fire in 217 AD and others destroyed by earthquakes that hit the area. Lack of cash due to high spending in wars rendered further innovations on the Colosseum void. By the 10th century, the whole building was in a bad state because no one bothered about it. Houses and shops were built in the building. It was also used as a protection or hiding place during invasions. The renaissance period saw Rome rise again, and most of the times it was used to build Palazzo. Its destruction was hastened until the eighteenth century when its restoration began again.
Colloseum, Rome, Italy
History of Art Chapter Name: The above picture still exited in the renaissance period between 14th – 17th century but was altered.
Artwork Name: Architecture- Colosseum
Artist, Community- Romans
Date: between 72 AD- 80 AD
Location: Roman museums
Statistics on the Artwork: The work was carried out for 10 years. It was initiated in 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD
Reference narrative
Colosseum was used in reference to the ancient arena that was built by the Romans. It was the highest and most complex structure that the world had ever seen. It was built under the directive of the emperor who reigned in Rome. The building was used for various functions such as games, and entertainment.
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