Rome #2, The Colosseum, Italy 1/2014
Like the Vatican, there is only one. There are many sports arenas and coliseums in Italy, but there is only one “Colosseum”. Since the Middle Ages it has been a symbol of Rome, the Eternal City. It had been written, “While the Colosseum stands, Rome will stand but when the Colosseum falls, Rome shall fall, and when Rome falls, the World will end.”
Started in AD 72 on the grounds of Emperor Nero’s private Domus Aurea and inaugurated in AD 80, the multi-tiered complex could seat over 50,000 people. A wooden floor over the main arena was cover with sand to prevent the gladiators and wild animals from slipping and to absorb the blood. Animals from Africa and Asia including lions, bears, tigers, rhinos, and hippos were pitted against unarmed naked prisoners of war who were destined to be torn apart and eaten, just part of the show. Official numbers can be conflicting, but to be sure, thousands of animals, prisoners and gladiators fought to their death to entertain the cheering crowds.
While we rarely take guided tours, the one for the Colosseum gave us access to the many chambers under the main arena where prisoners and animals were held. Earthquakes and pollution have taken their toll, but one can still imagine the bloody history of this famous structure.
We might reflect on today’s professional football. Great receivers, tight ends and quarterbacks, like successful gladiators, are highly paid and become famous national heroes to fight again and again. The difference is, the loosing team gets to live another day.
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- Rome’s famous Colosseum is impressive from any angle.
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- Remnants of the marble bleachers with carved names (reserved seats) could be seen where Roman spectators partied, ate and cheered the show.
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- The cavernous chambers beneath the wooden floor of the main arena held wild animals and prisoners waiting for the battle to their death.
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- The amazing stonework supporting the arena floor has withstood numerous earthquakes.
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- A system of pulleys and lifts hoisted animals and stage sets up to the main arena floor.
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- Remnants of the marble columns are evidence of the once beautiful Colosseum decor.
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- Intricate brickwork of the walls has withstood the test of time.
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- You can take classes on how to be a Gladiator. Hey, is that Russell Crowe?
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- Kitsch stands offer plenty of tourist souvenirs.
Of course, we had to take a photo to prove we were there.
Like the Vatican, there is only one. There are many sports arenas and coliseums in Italy, but there is only one… http://t.co/2i8Zvp3z4a