Colosseum

(noun)

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, built of concrete and sand, the largest amphitheatre ever built, used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.

Related Terms

Examples of Colosseum in the following topics:

  • Flavian Architecture

    • Construction of the Flavian Amphitheatre, presently better known as the Colosseum (probably after the nearby statue), was begun in 70 under Vespasian and finally completed in 80 under Titus.
    • Among those he completed were the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, the Arch of Titus, and the Colosseum, to which he added a fourth level and finished the interior seating area.
    • The Colosseum is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy.
    • The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum.
    • The most enduring landmark of the Flavian dynasty was the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the Colosseum.

  • Architecture of the Early Roman Empire

    • A similar pattern would appear on the Colosseum under the Flavians in the late first century CE.
    • The amphitheater became known as the Colosseum for its size, but in also in reference to a colossal golden statue of Nero that stood nearby.
    • Like all Roman amphitheaters, the Colosseum is a free-standing structure, whose shape comes from the combination of two semi-spherical theaters.
    • The exterior of the Colosseum is divided into four bands, representing four interior arcades.
    • Exterior of the Flavian Amphitheater or Colosseum. 70-80 CE.

  • Rome

    • Examples include the aqueducts of Rome, the Baths of Caracalla , basilicas, and the Roman Colosseum.
    • Some of the most impressive public buildings were amphitheaters, including the Roman Colosseum.

  • The Flavian Dynasty

    • A massive building program was enacted to celebrate the ascent of the Flavian dynasty, leaving multiple enduring landmarks in the city of Rome, the most spectacular of which was the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the Colosseum.
    • Vespasian helped rebuild Rome after the civil war, adding a temple to peace and beginning construction of the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the Colosseum.

  • Art and Culture Under the Nerva-Antonines

    • During a period of peace after the Dacian wars, he initiated a three-month gladiatorial festival in the great Colosseum in Rome (the precise date is unknown).

  • Architecture at Pompeii

    • Similar to the Colosseum, constructed over a century later, its arcaded exterior appears to have been conducive to efficient evacuation.

  • Architecture under Constantine

    • This arch was erected between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, the home of the imperial palace.