Arena Although the Contemporary, and Future, World

¶ … Arena

Although the contemporary, and future, world at large will never know who designed the Roman Colosseum, there is still an abundance of information that exists as to its construction and purposes. The Colosseum was located in the middle of Rome in fairly close proximity to the Roman Forum, and was completed in 80 Anno Domini during the reign of Titus. Construction was originally initiated in 72 A.D (Hopkins, Beard 72) by Titus' father, Vespasian. Although construction was officially finished in 80 B.C., there would be a few minor adjustments made to this massive building during Domitian's reign, which lasted from 81-96 A.D.

The initial purpose for this edifice was to serve as a place of gladiatorial exhibition. Other events that were open to the public were held there as well, including fighting with animals as well as executions. The building itself was immense, particularly for the epoch in which it was constructed. The Colosseum was originally built 620 feet long (which is more than the length of a pair of football fields), 158 feet high, and 512 feet wide. Although sources vary as to how many spectators it could actually hold, it is believed to have been able to house at least 50,000 (Byrnes 1046), while more liberal estimates speculate that as many as 85,000 onlookers could fit inside.

The principles utilized to design the edifice are apparent to historians and onlookers today. The building originally had four different levels (No author). As many as 80 entrance arches are positioned along the outside of the internal and external walls that support the building, while several others emanate from the center of the structure, which allows for a number of tunnels and corridors inside. The name of this principle of design is the principle of the arch, while the materials used to erect the amphitheater included bearing masonry and cut stone. The amphitheater is surrounded by an exterior wall that runs about its perimeter and which is an additional 15 feet high. There are a number of different styles incorporated into this buildings design, including among them Corinthian pilasters that supported the top segment of the perimeter wall (which is called an attic). Interestingly enough, there is a window placed in every other span in this part of the building (Ruhl).

The Parthenon also utilizes Doric and Ionic construction styles. The Doric columns can be found on the bottom of the construct, with the Ionic placed on the level atop them. Other aspects of design include Corinthian engaged columns. A number of wooden beams were erected atop the uppermost perimeter wall, which were used to support the Colosseum's awning, which is also referred to as the Valerium. Subsequently, spectators had a means of protection from both rain and heat while partaking of the myriad events that took place within the Colosseum. The full means of construction of the Valerium were actually quite ingenious, as it was anchored to the ground by the means of bollards that were supported by corbels that were impregnated within the wall of the upper perimeter. The awning itself was comprised of netting, canvas, and several ropes, which required hundreds of sailors from the Roman navy to hoist and remove it. It was designed in such a manner that virtually all of the spectators could be covered beneath the awning, while the contestants and participants in the arena would be the only one exposed to nature's elements (Ruhl). Speculation exists that the amphitheater could have been used to host water competitions as well (Claridge 276).