1. THE COLOSSEUM (AMPHITHEATRUM FLAVIUM) By Chad Yip http://powerofpositivity.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/colosseum-rome-europe2.jpg

2. Location  Rome  Located in the region IV: Templum Pacis (Temple of Peace) http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/Municipi _di_Roma.svg/375px-Municipi_di_Roma.svg.png

3. Origins of the Colosseum  Built: 70-80 AD  Built by Vespasian, but completed under his son Titus.  Funded by the spoils taken from the Jewish Temple after the Siege of Jerusalem.  Colosseum was to be the showpiece of the new Flavian dynasty of Vespasian and his sons.  Site was chosen because it was a flat area between the Caelian, Esquiline, and Palatine Hills.

4. Importance  The Colosseum can be interpreted as a great triumphal monument in the tradition of celebrating victories. (over Great Jewish Revolt in 70 AD)  Pleased the Roman people instead of returning soldiers.  Constructed in the heart of Rome at the city centre, unlike many other amphitheatres.  Over 9,000 wild animals were killed in the inaugural games.

5. Uses of the Colosseum  Used to host gladiatorial shows as well as a variety of other events.  Shows (munera): given by private individuals  Demonstration of power and prestige  Immensely popular  Animal Hunts (venatio):  Hunting wild beasts imported from Africa and the Middle East  Recreations of Nature scenes (sylvae):  Nature scenes such as forests were replicated with real animals and plants.  Used to display natural environment for urban population, or as a backdrop for hunts and dramas.

6. Damage  In 217 AD the Colosseum was damaged in a major fire which destroyed its upper levels.  Was not fully repaired until 240 AD, and continued to suffer damage from other natural disasters such as earthquakes.  Used throughout the centuries despite its age.

7. The Colosseum Today http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/Binnenzijde_Colosseum.jpg

8. The Colosseum in Ancient Times http://www.bible-history.com/archaeology/rome/colosseum-sketch-piranesi-19.jpg

9. Bibliography  http://romancolosseum.org/roman-colosseum-history/ http://romancolosseum.org/roman-colosseum-history/  http://www.rome.info/colosseum/ http://www.rome.info/colosseum/  http://www.the-colosseum.net/idx-en.htm http://www.the-colosseum.net/idx-en.htm  http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/colosseo.htm http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/colosseo.htm  http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/colosseum_01.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/colosseum_01.shtml  http://www.italyguides.it/us/roma/colosseum.htm http://www.italyguides.it/us/roma/colosseum.htm  http://www.history.com/topics/colosseum http://www.history.com/topics/colosseum