Virginia--Colosseum

The Roman Colosseum The Roman Colosseum is a very historical place in Rome. It is located in the center of Ancient Rome. Many people still visit it today and get the same thrill as the 50,000 spectators use to get. When people think of Rome they think of the Colosseum immediately. (Wonders of the World)

This place was very important back in Ancient Rome. It was mainly used for entertainment. This entertainment included gladiatorial combat for over 4 centuries. (Monuments) Fifty thousand spectators attended to watch. (Wonders of the World) Very thrilling entertainment was here.

The Roman’s began building it in 72 A.D. The emperor, Vespasian, was min charge of the new arena. The Romans got money to build the arena from sacking Jerusalem. A year later the Colosseum was dedicated to his son after his death. The building is made of brick, concrete, tufa, and blocks of travertine limestone. This is what got this important place started. (Wonders of the World)

Many different events were held in the Colosseum. Tons of these include animals; wild animals were hunted with spears, but trained animals did many tricks (like found in the circus). There were many different balancing acts, clownish acts, and acrobatic acts. Music and dancers also found these events. Then of course there were gladiatorial fighting and ect.. (Website: The Roman Colosseum)

Eventually the gladiatorial fighting was outlawed, but the animal fighting remained. The last fight in the Colosseum was while Honorius was emperor; he finally officially ended the gladiatorial fighting. A couple hundred years later earthquakes in 492 and 508 A.D. caused parts of the Colosseum to crumble. Then the earthquake in 9th century caused one side of the outer wall to fall. (AVL: The Colosseum)

There are many purposes why Roman Colosseum was built. It was mainly built for entertainment, but it also was built to show the wealth, power, and might of Ancient Rome. It was also built to give many people jobs. Also this gave more popularity to the emperors at the time. These purposes worked because many people when they think of Rome think of the Colosseum. (Website: The Roman Colosseum)

The Roman Colosseum is still used in many ways. It is a MAJOR tourist attraction5 million tourist come each year to view the inside and outside of the arena. In the inside on the upper floor, outer wall there is a museum dedicated to Eros. These tourist keep the excitement and entertainment alive. (Monuments)

The Colosseum is the same, but a few things have been done to it. For example the some of the arena floor has had to be re- floored. But on the other hand it still has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church. On Good Friday the Pope leads the lit torch starting at the Colosseum. (AVL: The Colosseum)

The Roman Colosseum was very important and entertaining. It still is. Therefore I think it is also beautiful from the outside and inside. I hope one day to be one of those tourists. I hope this building stands strong for a very long time.

Works cited Baker, Rosale F. “The Roman Colosseum.” //Faces// July/Aug. 2008 Brooks, Laura //Monument: Matserpieces of Architecture//. New York, NY: Smithmark, 2009. Life. //Wonders of the World.// New York, NY: Time Inc, 2009. “The Colosseum.” Accessed on 2 November 2010 <www.roman-colosseum.info/colosseum/