The Symbolism Of The Colosseum In Ancient Rome

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Having been visited by millions of admirers of the ancient world, the Roman Colosseum today still functions a symbol of greatness and power of the Ancient Roman civilization just as Romans had upon construction. The Colosseum is easily still one of the most well-known historical monuments of Roman architecture in the world. The reason for this is due to its large size and presence that its ruins have left on Rome. With thousands of tourists visiting this grand monument, it is easy to see why. This building is a symbolic representation of the glory and gore that was designed by the Romans. The fantastic and impressive history that has been carried over the many centuries. Following the rule of Nero, the Colosseum was ordered to be created under …show more content…
We know this thanks to the remaining arch of Titus left behind by Vespasian’s son. In the structure, there is the engraved narrative that follows the battle and raiding of Jerusalem. The bounty recovered is represented by a menorah carried by young Roman soldiers to symbolize the gold that was taken during the time of war. Afterwards, the Colosseum is built to show their power and that Rome had successfully conquered their enemy. Having been such a large structure, it was one of the greatest places to have attended as a roman citizen. A place were each citizen could be proud to call themselves a Roman, with a capacity size large enough to fit around 50,000 spectators. As American citizens we may also feel a sense of pride knowing that we are American. Being one of the biggest super powers in the world, it is understandable why that is. While we may not have bloody gladiator fights, we do have major sporting events that represent the different countries and places around the world. Winning championships and challenges make us feel proud for our teams and culture, just as a Roman would. One of the unique features of the Amphitheatre’s is that the structure had created and used various Greek techniques and architecture. The columns that decorated the Colosseum included Greek capitols on the upper three levels while at ground level, they were simpler Roman capitals. …show more content…
It was said that the flood battles would occur in the mornings and by the afternoon, the Colosseum would be drained and dry to hold gladiator combat. Archeologist Beste investigated and “…discovered traces of runoff canals that he believes were used to drain the Colosseum after it was flooded from a nearby aqueduct, in order to stage naumachiae, or mock sea battles. The Romans re-enacted these naval engagements with scaled-down warships maneuvering in water three to five feet deep” (Muller). This provided evidence of naval battles being a possibility. While society may not hold giant ship battles to the death, we do however hold water sporting events to express fitness and athletic ability. It is something that the Greeks would have appreciated, given that they admired physique and strength. I believe that the military holds naval drills on rare occasions, however I have not heard of anyone ever dying because of it. The US are very careful in having precautions to prevent unnecessary deaths. Though in this case it may be due to the different purposes of the events. While the Naval drills are done to ensure protection, the Colosseum was a spectacle of

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