The Colosseum Flashcards
How much stone was required for building the Colosseum?
Over 3.5 million cubic feet.
How deep were the foundations?
40 feet deep.
How long did it take to complete the building of the Colosseum?
9 years.
What new materials had they discovered and used in building the Colosseum?
They had discovered how to make concrete and hydraulic cement from volcanic ash and lime.
Give an example and use of the more sophisticated technology used in the Colosseum?
The pit under the arena dropped to 36 feet and later contained supply lifts for props and scenery.
Who was a large contributor to the design of the Colosseum and what did they contribute?
It was Domitian [81-96AD] the brother of Titus, who had a basement built with ring formed walls and narrow passages. In this confined space animals and their keepers, fighters, slaves and stage-hands worked hard in almost total darkness to bring pleasure to Romans.
Why were lifts and trapdoors useful?
Lifts raised animals in cages from this underground level so that they could enter the arena through trapdoors. There were 28 trapdoors for animals to suddenly appear from.
Besides the entrances for spectators what were the other gates into the Colosseum?
There were four main gates besides the entrances for the spectators, the southern gate which was used by the Emperor, the northern gate by the magistrates, the gladiatorial procession would enter by the western gate and the dead would be removed via the eastern gate.
What design ensured excellent views for everyone?
The circular/oval shape
When was the Colosseum opened and by whom?
The Colosseum was opened in 80AD by the Emperor Titus and the inaugural(first) games lasted for over 100 days.
What did the Romans refer to the building of the Colosseum as?
The Flavian Amphitheatre.
Why was the Colosseum important and emphasised the power of the Emperor and Rome?
Up to this time, Rome didn’t have an amphitheatre and would ensure that no-one upstaged the Emperor in holding spectacular games for the Roman people. The Colosseum represents imperial power and public pleasure and the money for the building came from the Temple of Jerusalem following the Roman victory over the Jews.
How many people could the Colosseum hold?
It was the largest amphitheatre in the Roman world and was capable of holding 50,000 spectators.
What were your seats like at the Colosseum?
Entrance to the Colosseum was free to Romans and the number on their ticket corresponded to the various doorways. Spectators were crammed in and no one could expect more than a 40cm width per person.
Where would the Emperor sit?
In a large podium surrounded by the senators, being very close to all the action.
