The ancient Roman Colosseum is an extremely well known historical landmark. The massive amphitheatre is centuries old, but is still influencing modern writings. The author of The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins, has always talked about the Colosseum and the famous gladiator fights that took place inside as inspiration for her three novels. Through the history, the cultural practices during this time period, and the political meanings behind the Roman Colosseum, it is made clear how The Hunger Games mirrors this important structure in world history.
The history behind the Roman Colosseum spans through eras of father and son emperors, and sheds light on why the famous building looks the way it does today. The Colosseum is officially known as the Flavian Amphitheatre since it was the work of Emperor Vespasian who was a part of the Flavian dynasty era in Rome. Around 70-72 A.D., Vespasian constituted the Colosseum be designed and built as a gift to the people of Rome (“Colosseum”, 2009). Construction on this masterpiece took just about a decade but unfortunately, Vespasian died before the Colosseum opened. His …show more content…
Wealthy Romans thought that conducting games at a funeral would satisfy the various gods and allow the deceased to have a secure journey into the afterlife (“Purpose of the Colosseum”). The events became extremely popular and people would come from all over the country to watch the games. Eventually, they became so popular in the Roman culture, that new arenas had to be built to host the games and the attendees (“Purpose of the Colosseum”). These funeral fights eventually turned into a chance for important Roman figures to gain favor with the commoners while convincing the Roman gods to keep the city from destruction and disaster (“Purpose of the
The history behind the Roman Colosseum spans through eras of father and son emperors, and sheds light on why the famous building looks the way it does today. The Colosseum is officially known as the Flavian Amphitheatre since it was the work of Emperor Vespasian who was a part of the Flavian dynasty era in Rome. Around 70-72 A.D., Vespasian constituted the Colosseum be designed and built as a gift to the people of Rome (“Colosseum”, 2009). Construction on this masterpiece took just about a decade but unfortunately, Vespasian died before the Colosseum opened. His …show more content…
Wealthy Romans thought that conducting games at a funeral would satisfy the various gods and allow the deceased to have a secure journey into the afterlife (“Purpose of the Colosseum”). The events became extremely popular and people would come from all over the country to watch the games. Eventually, they became so popular in the Roman culture, that new arenas had to be built to host the games and the attendees (“Purpose of the Colosseum”). These funeral fights eventually turned into a chance for important Roman figures to gain favor with the commoners while convincing the Roman gods to keep the city from destruction and disaster (“Purpose of the