Postcard from Rome–The Coliseum

I am taking a break from my Chicago trip to show you an image from one of my trips to Rome…the famous Roman Coliseum. I love this image as it reminds me of all my special times in Italy.  It was shot on slide film, then converted to Black and White.  It was photographed at sunset.

This most famous structure of the Roman Empire was completed in 80 AD. It was originally called Amphitheatrum Flavium (Latin), or the Flavium Amphitheater. It is located in the center of Rome, at one end of the Roman Forum and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering.

In the days of the Dark Ages, after the fall of the empire, it was stripped of all its marble, and much of its stone…not to mention the bronze clamps which held the stonework together. These were pried or hacked out of the walls, leaving numerous pockmarks which still scar the building today. What makes it even more remarkable is the the structure is still standing as it should have collapsed with these supports removed. The Romans knew how to build.

Originally, it was used for gladiator combat, animal hunts and other such Roman entertainments. It was once filled with water and used for a naval battle with real ships. But, contrary to the belief of many, it was never used to burn or crucify Christians during the days of persecution. But funding for the construction did come from the booty collected during the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

The original structure must have been a site to behold. But even in its current condition, it is a major tourist attraction. I hope you can all see it in your lifetime.  As the old saying goes, “When in Rome…”