Impressions of the Colosseum During Roman Times

Impressions of the Colosseum During Roman Times

On approaching the colosseum, a spectator in Roman times would have

been overwhelmed by its sheer size and beauty as it stood against the

skyline perhaps higher than any other building in close proximity. The

roar of over 45, 000 people would have greeted them as they neared.

Upon entering, the spectator would have been amazed at the sheer

volume of the people the space could accommodate as well as the

different safety and comfort features.

The architects took into account not only the appearance but the

firmness and function of the colosseum. The clever architecture meant

that every spectator had an unimpeded view of the arena and of the

emperor’s reactions to the proceedings. Seats, corridors and stairs

were planned in order to allow the public easy access and exit and to

keep the different social classes separated.

The strict social segregation meant that the two main entrances led

directly to the central boxes where the emperor and senators would sit

while a series of other pathways led the other spectators to their

designated seats. Most of the seats were made of a kind of rock called

travertine which could withstand heavy pressure. However, the seats

reserved for dignitaries were made of marble.

Other safety features included a fence which could be raised around

the central arena when animals were being used in the proceedings.

There was also a giant awning called the Velarium which could be

unwound to provide shelter from the elements.

There 80 arches on the ground floor, four of which served as main

entrances. The columns here were Doric in style, those on the seco...

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...clusion, I feel that while some people of the 21 century

understand the Roman way of life, there are some who will form an

opinion judging them by today’ standards without fully understanding

or studying the culture ethics and morals of the time. Each society

has a set of norms and traditions and the Romans were no different.

For them, the colosseum and its events served the purpose of uniting

the people against the common foes of lawlessness and blasphemy and

gave them a sense of unity.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

An Introduction to the Humanities Block 2 The Colosseum. Open

University Press 1997

Wiederman, T. Emperors and Gladiators. London. Rutledge 1992

Wistrand, M. Enertainment and Violence in Ancient Rome: The attitude

of Roman writers of the first century A.D. Gotegorg:Acta Universitatis

Gothoburgensis, 1992