Rome Colosseum Analysis - Term Paper Example

It was originally referred to as Flavian Amphitheatre. The building is situated at a very strategic point in the heart of Rome city. The Colosseum is so big that it can accommodate approximately forty-five million spectators at a go (Hopkins & Beard, 2005). Most of the time, the building was used for public spectacles and very famous gladiatorial contests in Rome.

It was during the rule of emperor Vespasian in the ages of 70 and 72 AD that this amazing Roman Colosseum was constructed. Even though roman architectural history depicts that they are known for their gigantic complex buildings, not until the construction of the Colosseum amphitheater did roman witness the real big structure. This structure played a very important role in that time, especially towards the civilization of the roman people. The games and diversified cultural values portrayed were enough evidence for civilization's flat form. Records have put it clear that there is no time in roman history that her government utilized as much gold and expenses in the construction of this building as this time. The Romans did not spare any gold that they had earlier captured from their rich war rivals, Jerusalem (Hopkins Beard, 2005). According to some Roman prominent history authors, like Hopkins, the labor for the construction of the amphitheater was provided by Jewish slaves. At that time, Rome was very powerful, and obtaining slaves for labor was not a big deal for them. The structure was a sure way for Rome to show the world its latest building and spectacular engineering techniques. Very surprising about this building of great art and design was not created as a present to the powerful emperor of those times but as a gift to the citizens. The emperor said that he had noticed the indisputable patriotism and dedication that the roman people have shown in the protection and selfless sacrifice to the roman dream.

The nature of the magnificence and splendor of the Colosseum gave the history gurus the astound evidence of how the roman people loved themselves more than anyone else. Consequently, a sure proves to the existing world civilization of their amazing greatness of wealth and power. During the quarterly and semi-annual inaugural games that were conducted there, wild animals of different types were slaughtered (Rose, 2013).

The building had gone through several radical changes ranging from its renovation development to the change of its purpose. During the time of the newly designated emperor Domitian, the building was remodeled with now consists of underground tunnels that were used for slaves and animals. However, in 217, the building was badly damaged by fire destroying its wooden roof and underground wooden tunnels that gave it extraordinary standing support. Around the 6th century, the church was constructed inside it though it didn’t occupy a large space, and it didn’t portray the religious meaning as it ought to. Later on, the arena was transformed into a cemetery (Rose, 2013).

In the modern times of the 16th and 17th centuries, Pope Sixtus V suggested the amphitheater be turned into a wool factory to employ Rome’s prostitutes but upon his death, the dream faded away. The modern pope has suggested that the Colosseum be used as a Christian center. To remind people of the Christians who were martyred there by the claim is very baseless as no historical accounts prove the death of Christian martyrs there. The current time, it is used as a major tourist attraction fetching millions of income for the Roman Kingdom.

In conclusion, this building should be preserved and current struggles to turn it into anything for personal benefit should stop to encourage its original purpose of heritage and cultural values.