The ancient Colosseum has been around for nearly 2,000 years. After all, how is this building built that can stand the test of time?
The Colosseum was built in 72, during the reign of the Roman emperor Vespasian (9-79). This work was completed in the year 80 under the rule of emperor Titus. When this work was completed, the inauguration ceremony was held for 100 days and 100 nights.
Emperor Vespasian named this Colosseum after his dynastic name, Flavian . In fact, this arena was the largest Roman amphitheater at the time of its completion, with a length of 188 m, a width of 156 m. The arena, measuring 83 by 48 meters, consists of a sand-covered hardwood floor that sits above an elaborate underground structure known as a hypogeum (meaning ” underground ” in Greek).
The Colosseum is a structure that has existed for nearly 2,000 years. (Photo: NatGeo).
According to experts, the Hypogeum was not part of the original construction, instead, the emperor Domitian ordered its construction. In fact, when building this structure, the ancient Romans aimed to build an amphitheater that would not be affected by its own weight.
Therefore, the Romans designed the arena as a structure consisting of arches. Accordingly, 240 domes were used, each floor has 80 domes. In particular, the load-directing belt is designed to the sides, then to the supporting columns below.
According to experts, the arch is a solid architectural element but requires a strong supporting material. As a result, the Romans found this material to be concrete from volcanic sand and limestone. Concrete was the material that helped maintain the Colosseum.
In addition, the Romans also used other materials such as stone and brick . With an exterior size of 188m x 156m, a height of more than 48m, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built.
The Colosseum is specially designed, and even has a dedicated elevator for performances.
The audience seats in this work are built on an artificial honeycomb frame, where corridors, stairs and ramps are separated from each other by stone columns. The researchers discovered that the decks containing the benches were actually hollow underneath. They consist of a system of two semi-cylindrical arch corridors on the floor. These spectator rows also had a seating hierarchy like most entertainment facilities at the time.
Specifically, the front face is dedicated to the Roman senate called the podium . The staged area behind them was for Roman merchants called primum . Meanwhile, two rows of seats in the back were reserved for common Roman citizens, known as secundum .
In addition, in the upper and later apportioned was the summum area for the poorest citizens of Rome.
The outside of the arena is surrounded by corridors. They are framed by Doric, Lonic and Corinthian columns in order. The columnar structure of the Colosseum served as the basis for a Renaissance architectural principle, called the set of orders .
After nearly 2,000 years, the Colosseum still exists and has become a world-famous iconic structure. Photo: Getty Images
In addition, the Colosseum has arches on the outside and some of these domes have corridors that continue to the inside. In particular, all the arches on the upper floors of the building have gladiator statues. Inside there are also many rooms and passages built with covered wooden floors. In this area, gladiators and animals wait before the show.
Due to the need to create the most practical system for a series of comfortable matches, the Romans also succeeded in building a system of elevators. This system was considered to be very innovative at that time.
Specifically, under the arena there is an elevator system to transport animals. Accordingly, animals are put into cages and workers will take them to the arena. When the cage reaches the arena, the locks will open and the animals will enter the fight.
In short, the Colosseum is an iconic structure and very important to Christianity . However, this work also became the target of stone robbers, being eroded by animals and time. Nearly 2,000 years have passed, this building still stands despite all the damage that has passed.