My Rome Diary-2

Colloseum

colloseum

The Colosseum is probably the most impressive building of the Roman Empire. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it was the largest building of the era. The elliptical building is immense, measuring 188m by 156m and reaching a height of more than 48 meters The Colosseum could accommodate some 55,000 spectators who entered the building through no less than 80 entrances. Above the ground are four stories, the upper story contained seating for lower classes and women. The lowest story was preserved for prominent citizens. Below the ground were rooms with mechanical devices and cages containing wild animals. The cages could be hoisted, enabling the animals to appear in the middle of the arena.

Emperors used the Colosseum to entertain the public with free games. Those games were a symbol of prestige and power and they were a way for an emperor to increase his popularity. Games were held for a whole day or even several days in a row. They usually started with comical acts and displays of exotic animals and ended with fights to the death between animals and gladiators or between gladiators. These fighters were usually slaves, prisoners of war or condemned criminals. Sometimes free Romans and even emperors took part in the action.

The southern side of the Colosseum was felled by an earthquake in 847. Parts of the building - including the marble cladding - were later used for the construction of other landmark buildings such as the St Peters Basilica. Those who have seen the famous movie Gladiator , will be thrilled to see this world famous piece of architecture in real.

The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum (Forum Romanum) was the central area of the city around which ancient Rome developed. Here was where commerce, business, prostitution, cult and the administration of justice took place. Space where religious activities were conducted and the communal hearth of the city was located. The Forum It is located in the small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills; the Forum today is a sprawling ruin of architectural fragments and intermittent archeological excavations attracting numerous sightseers.

The Roman Forum was designed by the architect Vitruvius. For centuries, the Forum Romanum was the site of the city's most important public buildings, such as the Arch of Septimius Severus, built in AD203 and the Roman Forum Rostra or platforms for public speeches. The reliefs on the triple arch represented many of Rome's victories over oriental tribes and the Rostra was decorated with prows of warships captured during battles. The Roman Forum became the spectacular showcase of the Roman Empire filled with beautiful statues and architecture.

The main sight of the Forum includes the Arch of Titus (Arco di Tito), the Temple of Saturn, Temple of Vesta, and the church of San Luca e Martina. These are all linked by the Sacra Via, the main road through the Forum.

Though a highpoint on the tourist route around Rome, for many visitors the site can be a baffling disappointment. Several of the monuments turn out to be nineteenth- or twentieth-century reconstructions.

The Arch of Titus is the 15 meter tall arch and is the oldest surviving example of a Roman arch. It was built to commemorate the immensely popular emperor Titus, victory in Jerusalem. I like the Arch for its simplicity for its adding value to the ambience of the colloseum.

Temple of Saturn is another eye catching monument .It  was originally erected in 497 BC and later rebuilt between 360 and 380 AD. It served as the public treasury and was the focus of the popular December festival of Saturnalia. Saturnalia was the most popular of all Roman festivals, thanks to its emphasis on merrymaking and freedom. Traditions included suspension of work, temporary freeing of slaves, role reversals and gift-giving.

One needs to have little knowledge of Roman history to appreciate the ruins of Roman Forum. Since I like to visit archeological sites, the place is a definite attraction for me. Otherwise too its a must see as it all is located within a small radius from Colloseum.