The Colosseum at Night
One of the most iconic symbols of Rome is the Colosseum–a huge amphitheater in the center of Rome that could hold 50- 80,000 spectators who came to watch sporting events and games, including gladiatorial battles, mock sea battles, animal hunts, dramas, re-enactments of famous battles, and executions.
Seats were arranged in tiers that reflected the status levels of Roman society. There was a special box for the Emperor providing the best views of the arena. At the same level was a broad platform for the senators.
Above the senators sat the Equestrian noble class, then ordinary but wealthy Roman citizens, then poorer citizens. Standing-room-only space for the common poor, slaves, and women was at the very top. Some groups were banned altogether from the Colosseum, notably gravediggers, actors, and former gladiators.
Nero commissioned a 100-foot-tall bronze statue resembling himself and the Roman Sun God, Sol. He holds a rudder on the globe which is a symbolic gesture of his power over land and sea. This is an artist’s impression as no images or models have survived to the present day.
Art: Jaime Jones. Source: Marianne Bergmann, Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, New York University.
Its official name is the Flavian Amphitheatre since it was built by emperors of the Flavian dynasty. Construction began under the emperor Titus Flavius Vespasian in 72 and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir, Titus. But the theater was built next to an enormous, 100-foot-tall bronze statue of the previous emperor Nero, referred to as the “Colossus of Nero.” Venerable Bede wrote a poem about the statue containing the lines,
As long as the Colossus stands, Rome will stand,
when the Colossus falls, Rome will also fall,
when Rome falls, so falls the world.
This is often said to refer to the Colosseum, but the theatre was not called that at the time.
Vespasian built the Colosseum on the site of Nero’s golden palace to distance himself from the hated tyrant as well as gain popularity by hosting gladiator and wild animal fights. Gradually a change in public tastes and Christian influence put an end to these blood-soaked displays. The Colosseum is now a major tourist attraction.