What Does the Colosseum in Rome Look Like?

Summary

In this educational video, Susan, a history teacher, provides a detailed description of the Colosseum in Rome, a renowned historical building. Constructed under Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and completed by his successor Titus, the Colosseum was an oval amphitheater capable of holding 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. It was the site of gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and other events. Today, it stands as a major tourist attraction with a museum dedicated to Eros and offers subsidized entrance for EU citizens and free access for those under 18 or over 65.

Takeaways

• 🏟️ The Colosseum, also known as the Coliseum, is an oval amphitheater located in the heart of Rome, Italy.
• 👑 Construction began under Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and was completed by his son, Titus, in AD 80.
• 👫 It had a capacity to hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, with an average audience of around 65,000.
• 🔍 The Colosseum was used for various events including gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, and dramas.
• 🏰 The structure stands freestanding, measuring 189 meters in length and 156 meters in width, with a base area of 24,000 square meters.
• 🏛️ A museum dedicated to Eros is now situated on an upper floor of the outer wall of the Colosseum.
• 🐘 Subterranean passageways beneath the Colosseum were once used to transport wild animals and gladiators to the arena.
• 🌍 The Colosseum is a major tourist attraction, with thousands of visitors each year, including free entry for EU citizens under 18 or over 65.
• 🎟️ Entrance fees for the Colosseum are partially subsidized for citizens of the European Union (EU).
• 📚 The script serves as an educational resource, introducing students to descriptive texts and historical landmarks.

Q & A

What is the Colosseum, as described in the script?

The Colosseum is an oval Amphitheater located in the center of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum.

Under which emperor did the construction of the Colosseum begin?

The construction of the Colosseum began under Emperor Vespasian in AD 72.

Who completed the construction of the Colosseum?

The construction was completed under Vespasian's successor and son, Titus, in AD 80.

What was the capacity of the Colosseum in terms of spectators?

The Colosseum could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, with an average audience of around 65,000.

For what purposes was the Colosseum used during its active period?

The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, reenactments of famous battles, and dramas based on classical mythology.

What is the physical structure of the Colosseum?

The Colosseum is an entirely freestanding structure, measuring 189 meters long and 156 meters wide, with a base area of 24,000 square meters.

What is the current use of the Colosseum?

Today, the Colosseum is a major tourist attraction in Rome, with thousands of tourists visiting each year to view the interior arena.

Is there a museum in the Colosseum?

Yes, there is a museum dedicated to Eros located on an upper floor of the outer wall of the building.

What was the purpose of the subterranean passageways beneath the Colosseum?

The subterranean passageways were used to transport wild animals and gladiators to the arena.

What is the current entrance fee policy for European Union citizens visiting the Colosseum?

Entrance for citizens of the European Union is partially subsidized, and for EU citizens under 18 or over 65 years of age, it is free.

What type of text is the script describing the Colosseum?

The script is a descriptive text, created to give a detailed description of the historical building, the Colosseum.