Scotland

The “Flavian Amphitheater”, also known as the Colosseum, is capable of seating 55,000 spectators. Deadly gladiatorial and wild animals fights were staged for free by the emperor and wealthy citizens for the masses.

Commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 AD, it was completed in 80 AD by his son Domitian. It was built on a marshy site of a lake near Nero’s enormous palace, there was a very tall statue (a colossus) of Nero nearby, from which legend says the Colosseum’s name was originated from. Later it was destroyed in the great fire of Rome.

The Colosseum was designed in such a clever way that it has been said that most today’s stadiums, and structures alike have been inspired by the ideas introduced in the Colosseum’s building structure, even in modern times. The Colosseum could be evacuated in less than in five minutes.

One of the most incredible parts of the Colosseum was its cooling system. It was roofed using a canvas covered by a structure made of ropes, with a hole in the midlle to provide a breeze for the romans attending the game.

Another nifty feature the Colosseum had was a “vomitoria” – a passageway that opens into a row of seats from below or behind. The vomitoria of the Colosseum in Rome were designed so that the massive venue could fill in 15 minutes. (There were 80 entrances at ground level, 76 for ordinary spectators and 4 for the imperial family.) A true magnificent architectural development for its time. It’s a also a building of great beauty and design.

During the Middle Ages, the Colosseum was converted into a fortress and the marble was burned used to make quicklime. During the Renaissance period, but mostly in the Baroque age, the ruling Roman families (from which many Popes of the Catholic Church came from) used it as a source of marble for the construction of St. Peters Basilica you see today.

The area itself is today also one of the most beautiful and lively places in Rome. You can find typical restaurants, pubs, stylish and modern cafes and wine bars.