Design of the ColosseumBuilding the Colosseum Design of the Colosseum - for Purpose and Effect The plan and design of the Colosseum was created for specific roles and effects. Its main role was to provide a permanent purpose-built arena in the centre of Ancient Rome for staging various forms of entertainment for the Ancient Romans. The Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre in the Roman world, seating up to 80,000 Romans. The design of the massive, breath-taking structure conveyed the culture, wealth, might and power of the city of Rome and the Roman Empire. Classical Design of the Colosseum The Classical Design of the Colosseum is reflected in the rows of arches at each of the levels. The first level consisted of 23 ft high and 14 ft wide Doric "order" or style arches, the second level was designed with 21 ft high and 14 ft wide Ionic arches and the third level 21 ft high and 14 ft wide Corinthian style arches. See Roman Arches for a full description of these designs and styles. The design of the Colosseum displays a natural progression from sturdiest and plainest arches (Doric) at the bottom, to slenderest and richest arches (Corinthian) at the top. Design of the Colosseum The Roman Colosseum included a design feature of a retractable awning called the Velarium which provided cover and shade to the spectators. The Design of the Colosseum was later extended to incorporate a hypogeum consisting of a two-level subterranean network of tunnels and vertical shafts providing instant access to the arena for animals and scenery. Click the following link for details of the Dimensions of the Colosseum. Design of the Colosseum The content of this Design of the Colosseum category on life in Ancient Rome provides free educational details, facts and information for reference and research for schools, colleges and homework. Refer to the Colosseum Sitemap for a comprehensive search on interesting different categories containing the history, facts and information about Ancient Rome. Just like the subject of Design of the Colosseum there is hardly a page of Roman history and the Romans that is not, on some way, connected to the Roman Colosseum which became a symbol of Rome, its society, culture and life. |