Colosseum, Rome

Favorite thing: Last time I was in Rome was in 1978, also for a short stay over. Back then I got to see the Colosseum, Forum and Spanish steps. Now I moved the pics into a travlogue.

See the rest of the general tips for more info!

Favorite thing: I will not be original, if you came to Rome, you must see Coliseum, especially if you have seen Gladiator movie. Anyway, Coliseum is a great place. I am glad that it was not destroyed. Impossible to believe that it stands for hundreds of years, and Roman Rulers were here, and when you enter this place... This feeling is very special, like touching to the past.

Favorite thing: COLOSSEUM

The colosseum is the largest anphitheatre ever built in Rome and the symbol par excellence of Romanism was the work of the Flavian emperors and was for this reason called the Amphiteatrum Flavium. The name “Colosseum” was first used in the Middle Ages and derives from the colossal bronze statue of Nero as sun god which stood on the side of the vestibule of the Domus Aurea, near the Amphitheatre.

Various kinds of spectacles were held in the Colosseum; the munera or contest between gladiators, the venations, or hunts of wild beasts.
The number of spectators the Colosseum was capable of containing; opionions vary, but the figure must have been around 50'000 (not too bad for a spectacle).

Favorite thing: We spent several hours here. Picture yourself a spectator at the games being held in this arena. The animals ranged from lions and tigers to elephants and other exotic creatures (gladiators included). An elevator system was used to bring these beasts to the arena floor which was above the multiple floors of, now visible, corridors.

Fondest memory: THE COLOSSEUM...Probably the most recognised and most visited site in Rome. Built in the 1st century AD it seated 50,000 people in its heyday and would rival most American National Football Stadiums in present day. A sad fact is at one time the its stone structure was actually quarried and used for other buildings around Rome. It is impossible to see this structure and not visualise past events and plug into its enormous energy. The concept of BREAD and CIRCUSES in its ultimate and original form. It's events would be tantamount to the SUPERBOWL as a sociol/cultural event today. The Detriot Lions might play the Minnesota Vikings...the winner would be on the post-game interview with Dennis Miller,,,the loser would become a post-game meal. The stakes were pretty high then...

Favorite thing: go to the Colosseum.

The Colosseum is the most famous monument of Ancient Rome. Its original name is Flavian Amphitheatre. It was started by the Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 76 AD, and completed by his son Titus in 80 AD. The Colosseum was dedicated the year after Vespasian's death by Titus. They celebrated the opening by holding 100 days worth of games there. It was built on the site where Nero had had a huge villa for himself (Domus Aurea). Vespasian wanted to build something for the people rather than for himself. It got its popular name, the Colosseum, because it was built near where Nero had erected a huge statue, or colossus of himself. It showed him as the god of the sun. It was 100 feet high, and it was the largest gilded bronze statue in antiquity. It was later moved away. It took 24 elephants to move it!

Favorite thing: You can walk by the Coliseum at any time. You can get there virtually through any transportation (bus, train, motorcycle, walking, you name it).

Just know that during the summertime, tourists like you and me swarm in and it gets a bit crowded. Try to go on the off season if you can.

Favorite thing: if you haven't seen the movie Gladiator starring Russel Crowe, go watch it! Even if you haven't gone to Rome or seen the Coliseum. For those who have, many nostalgic images will pop up.
I love that movie!