Introduction
Situated at the center of Rome, the Coliseum, also referred to as Colosseum, is an oval amphitheater that was created to mark the greatness of the Flavian reign over ancient Rome. Initially named as Amphitheatrum Flavium or Flavian Amphitheater (Coarelli and Gabucci, 2001), it is easily the largest amphitheater ever constructed by the Roman builders, and is also the biggest in the world. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, signifying the exceptional talents of the Roman architects and engineers. In the present day, although the massive structure stands in a ruined condition to a degree, due to many natural causes as well as anthropological interference, it still remains the most popular tourist attraction in Rome. The Coliseum is located at the center of the Rome today, on the eastern flank of the site of the Roman Forum, the ancient government and administrative office plaza of the Roman Empire.
The Coliseum is a completely support less elliptical construction with its longer diameter, oriented West South West – East South East. Its basic design is derived from the exterior and interior architecture of Roman theatre culture. The inclusive space is approximately 6 acres (24,000 m2). The perimeter originally measured 1,788 ft. (Ahern, 2010). The facade elevation is 157 ft. and subdivided into three levels with 80 arches each, correspondingly from Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian forms of column orders which follow a natural progression from securest and simplest Doric arches at the bottom, to slenderest and richest Corinthian arches at the top.
The Colosseum had four different levels. The ceilings of the passageways and hallways which enclosed the arena on each level comprised of vaulted arches made of concrete stones with regular keystones, but the supports they rested on were made of strong, heavy limestone. The Vaulted arches created ceilings that were much stronger than a flat ceiling would have been. Vaulted arches made of concrete added strength to the building without adding excessive weight, without which the Colosseum could not have been built.
Two entrances traced the arena on the main axis line: the gate on North West was called the Porta Triumphalis, entry gate for gladiators and the South East gate was the Porta Libitinensis, for exiting corpses and the injured. Following the earthquakes, only the north side entrances from 23(XXIII) to 54(LIV) of the perimeter wall still stand (Ahern, 2010). The now visibly remaining exterior of the Coliseum was originally the interior wall.
The Roman Colosseum included a design feature of a retractable awning called the Velarium which provided cover and shade to the spectators. The Design of the Colosseum was later extended to incorporate a hypogeum consisting of a two-level subterranean network of tunnels and vertical shafts providing instant access to the arena for animals and scenery.
Purpose and Effect
The design of the Coliseum was fashioned for definite purpose and effect, its main function being to offer a permanent arena in the center of Ancient Rome to stage various forms of entertainment for the Ancient Romans. The sheer magnanimity of the Roman Coliseum was evident with a seating capacity up to 80,000 Romans (Alchin, 2012). The design of the massive, awe inspiring structure emphasized the culture, wealth, might and power of the city of Rome. The invention of concrete enabled this massive building to be built quickly, efficiently and to great effect. All of this was done to the highest artistic standard and in a highly skilled manner.
The elegance of this magnanimous structure must have been spell binding in its youth, and its purpose both delighting and intimidating at the same time, it must have been a center of great activity and grandeur. The Coliseum that stands today is the remains of Roman architectural and engineering marvels, that were finest in their kind and time, and the mere knowledge of it inspires awe in the heart of its admirer. No wonder a visit to such a place can be very fruitful and prove to be a true inspiration for any young architect or artist.
References
Alchin, L.K. (update 2012): Tribunes and Triumphs – A Free Educational Resource! http://www.tribunesandtriumphs.org , retrieved July 7, 2013
Coarelli, Filippo and Gabucci, Ada (2001) The Colosseum; Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum
Ahern, Jack, Pr. (2010) Landscape Architecture Study Tour Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst http://courses.umass.edu/latour/Italy/TheRomanColosseum/index.html, retrieved July 7, 2013
