The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheatre in the center of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum, and is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built as well as the largest standing amphitheatre in the world today. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir, Titus, with further modifications made under Domitian. The three emperors who sponsored the work belonged to the Flavian dynasty, and later classicists and archaeologists named the building the Flavian Amphitheatre for its association with that family name.
Facts
Building Type Completed YearDedicated AD 80 under Titus; the topmost story was completed under Domitian shortly after. Height (m)Sourced to the subject's own account Classification
Standing Status Building Type
Building Type (category)Sourced to the subject's own accountStadium / Arena / Amphitheater 2 FAQs
What was the Colosseum used for after the games ended?
It was reused as housing and workshops and quarters for a religious order and a fortress and a quarry before being protected as a Christian shrine.
The Colosseum stopped being used for entertainment in the early medieval era, and later generations found other uses for it. Over the centuries parts of it served as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress and a quarry, and it also became a Christian shrine. In 1749 Pope Benedict XIV forbade its use as a quarry and consecrated the building to the Passion of Christ. Today it is a ruin damaged by earthquakes and stone robbers, and it remains one of Rome's most visited sights.
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Source Encyclopedia Britannica
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Uses Element
Source Encyclopedia Britannica
The ambulatory corridors of the Colosseum substructure are barrel vaulted.
Source Wikipedia
Additional Source Colosseum - Wikipedia
Source Encyclopedia Britannica
Sections of the Colosseum vomitoria and upper ambulatories use groin vaulting.
Source Wikipedia
Additional Source Colosseum - Wikipedia
The outer wall and main structural piers are built of travertine limestone blocks quarried near Tivoli.
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Sources
1. Colosseum - Wikipedia
standing status determination, wikipedia summary
Although substantially ruined by earthquakes and stone robbers taking spolia, the Colosseum is still a renowned symbol of Imperial Rome and was listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
- Uses Element: Barrel Vault
- Uses Element: Groin Vault
View the Source2. Colosseum (Wikidata)
Wikimedia FoundationWikidata height (P2048) statement: 48.0Quote, Wikidata height (P2048) statement: 48.0
Wikidata item Q10285, property P2048 (height): 48.0 m (converted to metres, preferred/normal rank, non-deprecated)
3. Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.britannica.com/topic/Colosseum, lead definition
The Colosseum is an amphitheater built in Rome under the Flavian emperors of the Roman Empire. It is also called the Flavian Amphitheatre. It is an elliptical structure made of stone, concrete, and tuff, and it stands four stories tall at its highest point. It measures 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters) and could hold as many as 50,000 spectators. The Colosseum was famously used for gladiatorial combat.
- In Style: Roman Architecture
- Uses Element: Arch
- Uses Element: Concrete
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