Theatres - Rome - The Colosseum

Question 1

Why was it constructed?

Answer 1

To secure the flavian dynasty

Question 2

When was it constructed?

Answer 2

70 AD

Question 3

Who completed the colosseum?

Answer 3

Vespasians son Titus after his fathers’ death

Question 4

What shape was the colosseum?

Answer 4

Oval

Question 5

What was the colosseum built from?

Answer 5

Travertine, tufa, concrete, brick, tiles, marble, gravel, wood and sand.

Question 6

Was it before or after the Theatre of Marcellus

Answer 6

After

Question 7

Capacity?

Answer 7

80,000 to reflect the needs of a population of 1 million

Question 8

How high was the colosseum?

Answer 8

48 metres

Question 9

What was the site size?

Answer 9

188 x 156

Question 10

What was it supported by?

Answer 10

A huge elliptical ring of concrete topped with blocks of travertine

Question 11

How was the outer wall impressive?

Answer 11

Four storeys - doric, ionic and corinthian plus top floor.

Question 12

What were the arches flanked by on the lower floors?

Answer 12

Engaged columns

Question 13

What were all the columns faced with?

Answer 13

Marble

Question 14

How could the the colosseum be entered?

Answer 14

Large number of numbered arched entrances on the lower floor

Question 15

Things that ensured the colosseum was safe?

Answer 15

Easy entry/access, wide circulation passages, lift system, ticket people

Question 16

When was it completed and who by?

Answer 16

80 AD and Titus

Question 17

What was it topped with?

Answer 17

80-bay plain wall enlivened by Corinthian pilasters

Question 18

What did each of the pillared floor feature?

Answer 18

80 arches flanked by engaged columns

Question 19

What was each pillared floor’s columns faced in?

Answer 19

Travertine and marble

Question 20

What stood in each doorway?

Answer 20

Statue

Question 21

What did the colosseum replace?

Answer 21

Nero’s private garden