Architecture Analysis of The Roman Colosseum

As the world progresses, signs of its development are seen in various forms. For example, new styles are developed, taller and more complex buildings are built, and innovative techniques are used to hint at a rising era. With all these pioneered methods and constructions, former ones are overlooked. However, progress comes from absorbing past achievements and creations. The past is the building block for the future. For this reason, history's grandest realizations are very influential and vital. An illustration of this is Rome's Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. This ancient structure was constructed around 72 to 80 AD in Rome through the orders of the Flavian emperors at the time.  The importance of the Roman Colosseum lies in the power that surrounded the building, its various significant features and form, and the ancient Roman architecture incorporated. 

Power has been associated with the Roman Colosseum for decades. It was a sign of supremacy after its completion and even now when it is discussed. The idea behind its construction during emperor Vespasian's time ruling was to create a massive space to showcase various forms of entertainment.  This vision was continued by Titus, Vespasian's son, after his death.  The Colosseum is said to convey "both the majesty and might of the Roman empire" since it "dominates the space it occupies, towering above the surrounding streets and buildings."  Its size adds to the marvel, with the circumference measuring 1,719 feet and a height of 157 feet.  It boasted an impressive arena measuring 290 feet by 180 feet, which could hold up to 50,000 people.  The seats were systematized by rank, with the lower class sitting towards the top and the upper class having front-row seats.  A wide range of performances took place in the Flavian Amphitheater, including gladiators battling, bloody animal killings, and other violent acts.  The Romans loved these gruesome shows until the acceptance of Christianity ending the violent displays.  However, even though the Colosseum became obsolete, power remained in its influence in future structures and designs. 

A noticeable feature of the structure of the Colosseum is its elliptical shape.  It allowed for a 360-degree view of the performances that would happen in the arena. The design was reinforced using Roman concrete to create the Colosseum for strength and durability.  The Colosseum included an "attic storey" that was "crowned by a series of tall masts," which served as a shield from the sun or rain for the audience.  Another significant element of the Colosseum was seen in the arena. It had "a remarkable system of defensive measures" to protect the audience from the violent performances that took place.  One of these defensive measures included adding huge posts and a "sturdy net barrier" to allow spectators to safely watch the action happening on stage.  The arena floor was made of wooden planks covered in sand that "absorbed the bloodshed."  A vital characteristic of the building is the reoccurring archway and column motifs throughout the structure, contributing to its architecturally pleasing sight. The Colosseum boasts three stories that each contain eighty arches.  Each floor has a different style of columns. These styles are due to the various components that went into the Roman architecture style during the era. 

Architectural methods used by Romans contained influences from previous styles. For example, you can see Greek and Etruscan influence in the columns used in the Colosseum.  The outer wall “consisted of four stories” in which the first three were “decorated with columns.”  Tuscan columns were found on the structure's first floor, similar to the Doric order, but these had bases.  The second floor included Ionic columns, while the third contained Corinthian columns.  Apart from these three arcades, the attic storey found in the Colosseum was also unique in its design.  It had "Corinthian pilasters," creating framed archways "between a pair of attached half-round columns" that provided "a rhythmical, horizontal articulation of the façade."  This technique was used in Etruria, and the "use of a simple row of arches to decorate a monumental façade" was seen in Greek architecture.  Although Roman architecture did incorporate these past styles into the Colosseum, it also served as a stepping stone for future architecture styles. 

While taking a look around in today's age, traces of the past are present throughout. The influential Roman Colosseum continues to be a sign of power through its history and design that led to future concepts. Its architecture style can be found in preceding centuries, like in the Baroque era, in which architects imitated the "sequential complexity of the columns."  Even today, the stadiums people love to visit to watch sports resembles the Flavian Amphitheater in its design and systematic seating.  As the features and architectural style used in the Roman Colosseum continue to influence future structures, its power will endure.