I have always been amazed at the architecture of old, and the Colosseum is no exception. Built at the height of the Roman empire, what surprises me was her ability to withstand the tides of time, and still remain strong as ever, although a 'little chipped' I must say. The details of her inner workings are indeed amazing, and it goes to show the kind of details and effort that the builders must have put into in order to ensure that this was indeed the epitome of what a place of entertainment should be during her heydays, non-withstanding the sometimes sordid and gruesome intent of some of the activities that happens there, by modern-day standards.
And what was truly enlightening were the key concepts derived from such an amazing feat of architecture, that are still currently used today in modern-day stadiums and the likes. Indeed the physical architecture might have changed with better engineering and machinery, but the concepts upon which the Colosseum was built, are still just as relevant today, as they were thousands of years ago!
Irfan Darian
And what was truly enlightening were the key concepts derived from such an amazing feat of architecture, that are still currently used today in modern-day stadiums and the likes. Indeed the physical architecture might have changed with better engineering and machinery, but the concepts upon which the Colosseum was built, are still just as relevant today, as they were thousands of years ago!
Irfan Darian
The cage-like appearance was most probably used to house slaves and animals for the sheer enjoyment of the audiences.
The main facade looks a little 'holey' to allow for ventilation and light to enter the Colosseum, thus ensuring maximum rate of use throughout the entire day. And I won't be surprised if perhaps some form of arrangement were made into its design to allow for even night events to take place uninterruptedly.
Whether etched by vandals or is really a work done as part of its intent, the scratch on the wall above seems to indicate the direction of the toilet. Back then, the toilet were located a distant away from the actual building, hence some from of a direction indicator is needed to give direction to the visitors.
Part of the remaining facade of the Colosseum.
The cross was all that is pretty much remains of the metallic structure of the entire Colosseum, the rest having been stripped to feed the Roman army, or/and plundered by looters.
Notice how thick the walls are. The corridors are pretty wide and deep too, a testimony to the Roman's ingenuity to crowd control and ability to ensure maximum comfort levels of the visitors to the Colosseum.
Stripped off its surface area, the view below the main arena area reveals a network of caverns and small rooms, for both gladiators and animals. This intricate and dense arrangement was so designed to ensure that all events runs smoothly from one main event to another, with minimal disruption.
A view from from ground level. I can't imagine the feeling of fear, excitement, or impending death that these fighters must have been feeling, looking at the grandeur of the Colosseum, and knowing that death or/and victory is inevitable, eventually.
