Architecture of the Roman Empire: The Colosseum

Of all Roman amphitheatres, the Colosseum is the largest. To the Romans in the time of it's use and popularity it was known as the Amphiteatrum Flavium (Flavian Amphitheatre), but has become remembered in the term 'Colosseum' because of it's sheer size and its original nearness to the Colossus, a huge statue of the Emperor Nero. In fact, the Colosseum in its entirety was constructed atop the demolished villa that Nero had constructed during his reign. Nero's imperium was a time were Rome somewhat stagnated. He cared not for the well being of the Empire and its colonies, rather, for his own leisure and pleasure. In that respect, Nero confiscated a large chunk of land right in the centre of Rome, and built upon it his Domus Aurea (Golden House). The exact sight of the Colosseum covered what had been an artificial lake that had beautified Nero's utopian style villa.

Following a great fire in Rome that destroyed much of the city and the eventual demise of Nero, the new Emperor, Vespasian, was quick to differentiate himself from Nero for the sake of his reign, not to mention his survival. It was a turbulent time for the Empire. A way of gaining popularity came by taking the land that Nero had privatised for his own leisure, and giving it back to the people for theirs. Thus, the Colosseum was commissioned by Vespasian in AD 75. Vespasian was the first in the Flavian Dynasty of Emperors, so the amphitheatre became that of the Flavians.

Because the structure was so huge, Vespasian did not get to see the finished product of his plans. He died in AD 79. In his place came the Emperor Domitian, who came to the throne in AD 81 and completed the wonder that his father had begun. The Colosseum itself is entirely free standing. Elliptical in shape, its longer axis is 188m long and its shorter axis is 156m wide. It has a height of 48.5m, easily towering over any other amphitheatre of the time. Its volume allowed for a maximum capacity of 55,000 people to attend events such as gladiatorial games or chariot races.

Of course, a structure of this complexity required the input of Rome's most skilled architects and engineers. They had to overcome problems such as selecting appropriate materials that would cope with the size and weight of the structure. They had to ensure the amphitheatre was aesthetically pleasing, while holding the ability to traffic the masses of people that would mob to their seats. Vespasian also made provisions in his plans for a number of mechanisms that function to change sets or elaborately transfer both animals and humans into the arena. The result was an inspiring success in all of these areas.

There are many Greek influences in the aesthetics of the Colosseum. The main example of this comes in the columns that support the outer circumference of the structure. At ground level the columns are engaged into the wall, and are of the Doric order; having very plain, round capitals. The second and third storeys fashion the more detailed Ionic and Corinthian columns. Ionic columns have scrolls in their capitals, while Corinthian columns have the elaborately designed acanthus leaves in theirs. On the fourth storey's attic wall, the engineers used Corinthian pilasters (engaged square pillars) instead of the engaged columns.

The uses of columns serve to magnify the height of the Flavian Amphitheatre, while juxtaposing the curves if the surrounding arches in an aesthetically pleasing way. The extremity of the colosseum and its supporting piers, as well as the interior stairwell are made of Travertine, a limestone found locally around Rome. Peperino stonework and brick-covered concrete walls link most of the internal piers and support the radial barrel-vaults which hold up the tiered seating above. The seating itself was made of marble up to the third storey. Then, because of the need to reduce pressure on the load-bearing structure, the fourth tier was made of wooden planking.

76 arches made up the bottom circumference of the colosseum. These served as entrance and exit ways, and led onto two internal annular corridors that ran around the inside of the theatre. These were bisected at various intervals by radial corridors that either fed onto access to the first rows of seating or internal stairways to the upper floors. The point where the passageways fed into the open arena was termed the Vomitorium. Gender and social standing restricted where spectators could sit in the Colosseum. Slaves and women were sent to the wooden seats that lay atop the farthest points of the fourth floor. The Emperor, on the other hand, enjoyed an arena side box which he entered through a triple archway located on the northern side. The consuls sat opposite him, in much the same level of luxury. The other arena side seats were occupied by senators and knights. Above them sat the common men, in descending order of importance. Vestal virgins were the only women allowed to sit ringside.

A huge valerium, or cover, could be rolled over the open top of the Colosseum to ensure maximum shelter form rain wind or excess sunshine. A group of 100 sailors from the port of Misenum were charged with the responsibility of its operation.