We decided to dodge the religious crowds surrounding Vatican City and churches throughout Rome and ventured to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. With all the monuments I have seen in Italy and over the course of the semester, I found the Colosseum to be one of the most incredible. A 2,000 year old building that is a classic example of Roman engineering. A combination of concrete and the rounded arch enabled them to build on such a tremendous scale. Built when the Roman Empire was at its peak in 80A.D. the Colosseum represents Rome at its grandest. The Colosseum, formally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, was an arena for gladiator contests and public spectacles.
The Romans wanted to share the killings and spectacles with as many individuals as possible. The Colosseum was built by putting to semicircular theaters placed together to form a stadium that could accommodate over 50,000 thousand fans. The portion of re-constructed floor seen in the picture above is to give an accurate sense of the original floor and the subterranean area where animals were kept and then lifted up in elevators. Released at floor level, animals would pop out from behind curtains - the gladiators didn't know where from- into the arena.
Arch of Constatine - marks one of the great turning points in history - military coup that made Christianity main stream. In 312AD Emperor Constatine defeated his rival Maxentius in the crucial Battle of the Milvian.
The Roman Forum is known as ancient Rome's birthplace, civic center and common ground between Rome's famous seven hills. The Forum is arguably the most important piece of real estate in Western civilization. The Palentine Hill overlooks the Forum, and is home to the huge Imperial Palace, and a view of Circus Maximus - where chariot racing was done.
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