Colosseum

9 Pages 2166 Words

ly Christians were persecuted for their beliefs. Clearly in Rome, focus was on leisure and activities as well as religion and the emperor. It is said that of a 365 day year that 150 days were celebrated as regular holidays, with over 90 days given up to games. This way of life would rule the cities and architecture of the Romans for some time to come.
Enjoyment for the people of Rome came from theaters, battles, baths, battles, comical events and primarily the game of death. Throughout the history of Rome there were many forums, temples and amphitheaters, however only a few stand out today. Probably the most recognizable architectural achievement worldwide is The Colosseum. The amphitheater is a type of architecture that was without Greek precedents. This makes sense since its primary purpose was to hold gladiator fights and brutal shows which were banned in Athens at the time. Such events held in Roman amphitheaters were horse racing, gymnastics, mock cavalry battles, foot races, prizefighting, wrestling, fights between animals, between men, animals and men, and even naumachiae, or mock sea battles. The Pompeian amphitheater of Pompeii of 30 BC was one of the first of its kind. It was oval in shape like the Colosseum. It was supported on great masses of solid earth pierced by a broad corridor at each end. Stone seats were added at one time but most spectators sat on the earth or wooden chairs. Although this amphitheater was a great innovation, it would be eclipsed by the Colosseum.
Due to its sheer monstrosity and oval shape the great building was a fantastic site. The city which held the great structure was full of great examples of the use of arches, columns from every order, and of course its enormous size. When traveling the city to the Colosseum the whole area had been paved and raile...