Rome was a mighty city that dominated almost the whole of the world for years. It has certainly left its mark upon the world. If there is one thing that stands a testimony to this fact, and that exemplifies it, we all will agree, that it is none other than the Ancient Roman Coliseum.
Certainly among the best known structures ever built in Rome, the Roman Coliseum is an extremely significant part of the history of the Roman Empire. The monument was constructed in AD 70s, and was not only the most important structure, but also the biggest amphitheater in the Empire. The Coliseum could seat close to seventy thousand spectators at one time.
The Roman Coliseum was known originally as the Flavian Amphitheater. It was built at the time when the Emperors Vespasian and Titus, his son was reigning. The coliseum was started building in the year seventy two AD, and was completed in year eighty AD. The amphitheater was built at the Lake of Emperor Nero just where his huge palace was located. The Coliseum was used continuously since then till the year 217 AD, when the structure was damaged due to a lighting strike here.
The amphitheater was again reconstructed by 238 AD, and gladiators had matches here right until the sport was outlawed by Christianity. By 508 AD, the Coliseum was in a state of great disrepair, mostly because the structure was hit by two massive earthquakes.
The Coliseum suffered much destruction in the Middle Ages due to earthquakes. The site was even turned into a fortress. There was also a Christian church built in the small corner of the site. The original outer covering in marble was taken out little by little and was used in building palaces and buildings nearby, as well as burned to produce quick lime.
It was also in the middle ages that the Coliseum got its name. There was a colossus, or a huge statue of Nero that used to be situated here. The previous name “Flavian Amphitheater” got less and less famous over time, and fell into disuse.
The ruins of the Roman Coliseum still exist in Rome, and still exude a sense of mystery and intrigue. The underground structures known as the hypogeum, the eighty separate entrances, parts of the walls and other areas are still present. The gladiator and the armory buildings are still present.
The Coliseum is also of much interest to nature scientists nowadays. The flora here includes close to six hundred and eighty four plant species that were discovered ever since 1600’s.
In fact, the Roman Coliseum has been described as a structure that still has not revealed all of its secrets to the world.