The Life of Jesus in Harmony | Index

Colosseum

The most imposing structure built in Rome was the Colosseum. This huge amphitheater (double theater) had seating all around. The arena is also known as the Flavian amphitheater because it was built during the reign of the Emperor Vespasian (69-79 AD) although gladiatorial games existed for centuries. The murderous battles of man-and-man and man-and-animal were staged in the Colosseum. The oval arena (287 x 180 feet) was surrounded by a 15 foot wall and had deep cells and cellars below. It had three tiers of arches, plus a top story with superimposed Doric, ionic, and Corinthian half columns. The 45,000 spectators were protected from rain or fierce sun by huge canvas awnings fixed to masts secured to the topmost rim. After nearly two thousand years of pillage by other builders who used it as a quarry for building churches, palaces, and houses, the Colosseum still remains a lasting monument to the indestructible solidity of Roman architecture.

A DAY AT THE COLOSSEUM

- The usual program for a day at the Colosseum would begin with the "venatio," (an event that featured wild animals).

- The animals might be pitted against each other, or sent into the arena to mangle defenseless humans, but the typical display was a simulated hunt during which animals were stalked by "bestiarii"

-specialists armed with spears, bows and arrows, and other weapons. (always lots of blood)

- As many as 5000 animals may have died during one day of major festivals such as the inauguration of the Colosseum in 80 AD.

- To keep amphitheaters supplied, a great trade in wild beasts developed.

- Many species virtually disappeared from their home regions of North Africa and the Middle East. See Gladiator1 .

Later, many Christians were condemned to be thrown to the beasts in the Colosseum to entertain spectators. One early Christian wrote: "I am God's wheat and shall be ground by the teeth of wild beasts, so that I may become God's pure bread. . . the time for my birth is at hand. Letters - Ignatius of Antioch (100 AD)