Roman Coliseum

The modern world has witnessed construction of innumerable skyscrapers that are awe-inspiring. Still, nothing seems more impressive and amazing, as the mighty Roman Coliseum that is symbolic of the Roman architecture. If you visit Rome, Italy, just don't miss visiting the Roman Coliseum, as it is one of the greatest marvels of Roman architecture.

History
The Roman Coliseum has been known to be a place inside which Romans killed hundreds and thousands of people and animals. Innocent animals and people with criminal records were made to fight inside Coliseum stadiums and in this struggle for survival, many lost their lives. Still, some other parts of the Coliseum, like amphitheaters are a symbolic of the rich cultural heritage of Rome. Certainly, many lives were subjected to cruelty, and this is a dark side of the Roman history.

For many centuries after its construction, the gigantic Coliseum was used for hosting fights between criminals, professionals fighters and animals leading to brutal blood shed and loss of lives. As per history of Italy, the Coliseum's construction began in the years between 70 AD and 72 AD. Its construction was started by Emperor Vesuvius who dethroned the brutal rule of Emperor Nero to take over as new Roman emperor. The idea behind the construction of this gigantic structure was that Vesuvius wanted it to be used as a recreational place for the Roman people. Vesuvius' son and successor, Titus, opened the Roman Coliseum in 80 AD, and it underwent further changes in the years between 81 AD to 96 AD under the Roman emperor, Domitian.

Interesting Facts
Focus on some of the most interesting facts about the gargantuan Roman architecture its rich history:

• Gladiators who performed at the Coliseum were debtors, prisoners of war and slaves from different parts of the world like Gaul, Britain, North Africa and the Middle East. The victorious gladiators were awarded life mercy or lots of money and their agents also made huge sums of money.
• Roman women who loved adventure paid huge sum of money to spend time with gladiators!! It was believed to bring good luck (was it the only reason?)!!
• When a gladiator was killed, sand was put on the blood and the body of killed gladiator was taken away by Roman servants dressed like Charon, the mythological ferryman of the dead.
• The Coliseum of Rome is included amongst the new seven wonders of the world.
• Even Ostriches were used in the fights inside Coliseum and not only lions!
• Generally, it is believed that the 'thumbs up' gesture meant life spared and 'thumbs down' meant a bad news for the gladiator (as it has been shown in the movie gladiator). However, the fact is that according to various resources thumbs up actually meant an insult and it was a signal to kill! So Hollywood and epic films have got all wrong!
• A massive earthquake damaged the Coliseum badly in 1349. Now the Coliseum can house only 100 people unlike earlier when it had the ability to house nearly 50,000 spectators. In the ancient world, it was the largest structure to accommodate so many spectators.
• The Coliseum is not used to hold any big events now but its background is used to host many events and is showcased in movies.
• One of the marvelous facts is that the Roman coliseum was completed in just 7 to 10 years time (as per various resources)!!
• The main architectural feature that is helpful in giving a free standing structure to the Coliseum is the symmetrical construction of arches everywhere that effectively distributes the weight of such a gigantic structure.
• Every year the Coliseum is lit twice, once during winter and once in summers!
• In between the years, 1993 to 2003, the Roman Coliseum was renovated and it has gained international prominence since then for opposing capital punishment! If anybody is released from death sentence punishment in the country, the Coliseum night color is changed from gold to white.

Roman Coliseum is one of the rich architectures in the history of Rome. Moreover, it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Rome and a museum dedicated to Eros is located on the upper floor of Roman Coliseum.