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Colosseum Faq's
Q:
Why was it called the Colosseum?
A: When it was first built it was
originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre (after the
Flavian dynasty of Emperors including
Vespasian,
Titus and
Domitian
Q:
When was the Colosseum built? What year was the
Colosseum built in?
A: The Flavian Amphitheatre was
built during the reigns of the Emperors Vespasian and
his son Titus. The initial building of the Roman
Colosseum was completed in 80AD
Q:
Where is the Colosseum? Where is the Colosseum located?
A: The Flavian Amphitheatre is
located in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy
(Address: Piazzale del Colosseo, Rome). The absolute
location is 41 degrees latitude and 12 degrees longitude
Q:
Who built the Colosseum?
A: The Flavian Amphitheatre was
built on the instructions of the Emperor Vespasian. His
eldest son, the Emperor Titus, completed the initial
building work. The Emperor Domitian, the younger son of
Vespasian, built the hypogeum (a series of underground
tunnels used to house animals and slaves). Domitian also
added a gallery to the top of the Colosseum to increase
its seating capacity. Vespasian had a massive work
force, having brought back from the Jewish War an
estimated 100,000 slaves. Slaves undertook the manual
labor and teams of professional Roman builders,
engineers and decorators undertook the skilled tasks.
Q:
Why was the Colosseum built?
A: The Flavian Amphitheatre was
built for several reasons. As a gift to Roman Citizens,
increasing the popularity of the Flavian dynasty.
Staging various forms of entertainment in a purpose
built stone amphitheatre, creating a diversion for
unemployed and unruly Plebs. To utilize and showcase the
latest Roman engineering techniques demonstrating to the
world the power of Rome.
Q:
What was the Colosseum used for? What kind of events
took place inside the Roman Colosseum?
A: The Flavian Amphitheatre was
used for staging various events including gladiator
fights, wild animal displays, theatrical entertainment,
executions, religious ceremonies, mock sea battles and
re-playing famous Roman victories.
Q:
How did they get the water inside the Roman Colosseum?
A: The Flavian Amphitheatre was
provided with water via the Aqua Claudia aqueduct and
distributed through free-flowing canals, lead and
terra-cotta pipes to storage reservoirs and then through
lead pipes. A waste-water collection system discharged
the waste into the drains or sewer system. The main
outlet of the initial drainage system (Cloaca Maxima)
was the Tiber River.
Q:
How was the Colosseum built?
A: The Flavian Amphitheatre was
built of travertine on the outside, and of tufa and
brick in the interior. The main pedestals were built of
marble blocks. The Colosseum consisted of four floors.
The first three storeys had high, arched entrances
designed with tiers of Ionic, Doric and Corinthian
columns.
Q:
How did the Colosseum become so popular?
A: The Flavian Amphitheatre became
so popular because it provided free, local and
spectacular events
Q:
How events at Colosseum reflect Roman culture?
A: The attitudes, behavior,
beliefs, arts, customs and habits that characterized the
Roman society and nation were displayed in the Colosseum
via the architecture, decorations and engineering of the
building. The seating hierarchy reflected the status of
Romans. The events were cruel and became more bloody and
lewd as the tastes of the Romans became more extreme
towards both people and animals. The re-enacted Roman
victories reflected the power and might of Rome
Q:
Where does an emperor sit in the Roman Colosseum?
A: The emperor took up a very
visible and prominent position. The imperial box was
called the pulvinar and was located on the podium
(meaning place of honor)
astride the centre of the minor axis of the arena on the
north side. The podium was a high rectangle platform,
forming a sort of terrace, with small stairs on one side
and other sides steep. The Podium was about 15ft wide.
Q:
Why was the Colosseum round?
A: The emperor took up a very
visible and prominent position. The imperial box was
called the pulvinar and was located on the podium
astride the centre of the minor axis of the arena on the
north side. The podium was a high rectangle platform,
forming a sort of terrace, with small stairs on one side
and other sides steep.
Q:
Was the Colosseum the first stone amphitheatre in Rome?
A: No. The first stone
amphitheatre in Rome was called Amphitheater of
Statilius Taurus. It was built in 29 BC by consul Titus
Statilius Taurus in the time of the Emperor Augustus.
This amphitheatre was quite small and in order to
placate the plebs the Emperor Nero built a much bigger,
wooden, amphitheatre called the Amphitheatrum
Neronis in 57AD. Both of these amphitheatres were
completely destroyed in 64AD due to the Great Fire of
Rome.
Roman Colosseum FAQ's
Colosseum Faq's
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