The Flavian Amphitheater also known as Colosseum is a piece of architecture that we are someway or the other familiar with. This great architecture is "Rome's greatest arena" which was built in the 70 CE. The Flavian Amphitheater is probably the most seen piece of architecture in Rome, Italy. if you search Italy or Rome in the Yahoo search box you will learn that most of the pictures that will pop up are dedicated to the Flavian Amphitheater, it is located in the center of the city which means it gets a lot of attention. Originally capable of seating around 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Although in the 21st century it stays partially ruined due to damage caused by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and its breakthrough achievements in earthquake engineering. It is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions and still has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit "Way of the Cross" procession to the amphitheatre.(wikipedia). Personally, I have always wanted to visit Rome, but every time I picture Rome I automatically think about the Colosseum, thinking that if one day I should go to Rome I would visit the Colosseum as my first tour place to visit.
4 comments:
This structure seems to be a link between the past and the present. Sadly many buildings they created aren't in existence (for example our text mentioned that we have almost nothing in the way of buildings from the Etruscan architecture). I know it is unfortunate that this building has suffered some damage, but it is still in tact enough for us to get a sense of what it must have been like to be a Roman, going to the theater. I was also impressed by their attempts at creating earthquake proof structures. Being from Southern California myself, I have seen tons a earthquake safe buildings. It is something that every architect in LA needs to be concerned about. With our 21st century attitudes, it becomes easy to think of ourselves as "superior" and "advanced", but it is so impressive that the Romans, all those years ago were thinking about the exact same precautions that concern us today. It just goes to show that no matter what era you were born in, there are just certain things one can never escape.
I agree that Rome is many times associated with wrestling and gladiators (?) in the Coliseum.
It's the same perception and association people make with Egypt. Egypt always equates the Sphinx and the Giza Pyramids. Just as the US is known by the Statue of Liberty, and France for its Tour d'Eiffel. Sad, but true. It's human nature.
I agree with your point Erin; no matter what era, people still have the same worries and face the same problems. One has to remember, that this part of the world, the Medditeranean, is one of the homes of some of the strongest earthquakes. But then again, they were unlike the Egyptians, who strives and perfected their methods because their wanted their work to be permanent and survive.
-Ahmed
This is indeed an amazing architectural achievment of the Romans! I would also like to visit the colloseum in the future. Hopefully the damage seen on the structure will never prevent people from being able to go inside.
Great choice to write about. The colosseum is so beautiful and I too would like to visit one day. I feel like there is no way we can see the reality of its beauty unless I am there in person. It is so amazing on T.V and in books. just imagine how beautiful it is when you are standing in front of it.
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