Architectural Insight
One of the most recognizable tourist attractions of the world, located in Rome🇮🇹, the Colosseum. Built between 72 A.D and 80 A.D under Emperor Vespasian, it was made from stone and concrete.
More than 100,000 cubic meters of travertine stone was used for the outer wall of the Colosseum which was set without mortar held together by 300 tons of iron clamps.
The final façade was estimated at 100,000 cubic meters of marble that in later years some of the marble was used for the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Being the largest amphitheatre in the world, the Colosseum has 80 entrances and could seat approximately 50,000 spectators.
For the protection of these spectators from the blistering sun and heat of Ancient Rome, there was the velarium an awning that could be pulled over the top of the seating area providing shade.
Below this marvellous structure, located numerous rooms and underground passages where animals and the gladiators were kept. There were also 36 trap doors in the arena for special effects!
Not only being a mean of free entertainment for the people of Rome, but it was also a political tool to gain the trust of the people by sometimes giving out free food to the spectators.
It's said that for the hundreds of years that the games were played, the Colosseum has taken the lives of about 50,000 people and over a million wild animals.
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