Rome's history is on its doorstep and is represented in grand architecture. This architecture is so grand that observers are taken back to a time when architecture was a representative of the glory of Rome.
Elaborate designs were proudly displayed on the exterior and interior of buildings. These designs were reflections of each era in Roman history.
The Romans had borrowed some influences of architectural design from the Greeks but changed them and created their own.
This included the use of arches, straight lines, statues, columns and showed not only foreshadowing for modern architecture with rectangular sky scrapers, but also their organised planning for architectural structures with clean lines and building block view about complex structures.
This view has stayed in the psyche of Europeans for the last 2000 years. That is, European homes have a mediterrean look with a less is more philosophy prominent in the interior design, and in some regard, European living has a relaxed atmosphere which is reflected in the homes; the use of space is maximised by open living within small areas.
The Colosseum is the epitome of the ideals of Roman times, and could be likened to modern stadiums--a forerunner in terms of seating, entrances and the stage.
The Colosseum was a work in progress and took some years to complete (from 70-80 AD) and also faced a change in emperors.
The Colosseum was used primarily for the same style of entertainment throughout its history. It is most reknowed for gladitorial battles in the arena.
'Gladiator,' the movie, showed an indepth look at the gladiator's life and what he faced in the arena.
A gladiator's life surrounded the battles fought in the Colosseum, and as a main attraction, the gladiatorial battles were a test of strength which would end with only one opponent living to fight another day.
FACTS:
* The Colosseum seated 50,000 spectators.
* Sported a retractable roof to keep out the heat.
* The Colosseum has four levels and is an amphitheatre of an elliptical shape.
* There is 80 entrances: 76 were used by spectators.
* The stage was of wood.
* The lower ground level was for the gladiators: a complex maze of 'green rooms' and passages.
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