Audio Guide Rome – The Colosseum
Audio Guide Rome – The Colosseum – Back to Rome
The Colosseum
The Colosseum or “Roman Coliseum” is the most famous Amphitheatre built during the Roman Empire. Originally known as Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum was capable of seating up to 70,000 spectators and was used for public and free shows. The massive building project was begun around 70 AD by Emperor Vespasian . Additions were made by Vespasian’s son, Titus, who inaugurated the Colosseum in 80 AD.
A legend
tells that the name Colosseum might derive from a colossal statue of Nero nearby. After Nero’s death, the statue seems to have been remodeled into the likeness of the sun god. Nowadays only its tuff base survives.
The Colosseum is a very big monument, its perimeter measures 527 meters and its height is 48 meters (the original was almost 52 meters). Is was originally built on four floors and was made of sectors all reachable through stairs and galleries (the galleries were probably filled with people selling chickpeas, drinks and cushions).
The areas were separated by high podia (precinctio), doors protected by marble barriers would open through the precinctio. Where lied the sector reserved to the senators and to the members of the Court, Augustus ordered to build a stage for the Emperor…
