The Coliseum

Flavian Amphitheater

Building began in 72 AD, during the reign of Vespasian

and was completed eight years later in 80, when his son,

Titus, had assumed the imperial title. Although we know

the structure as the "Coliseum" in Roman times, it was

called the "Flavian Amphitheater," in honor of Vespasian's

dynasty the Flavians.

The Coliseum is situated on a site to the east of the

Forum in the grounds of the Domus Aure or "Golden

House"; a lavish private home with a lake, gardens, and

pavilions which Nero had built for himself. The population

of Rome hayed this residence as the land to build it had

been cleared only when the Great Fire of Rome destroyed

thousands of people's homes.

Vespasian's decision to site the the amphitheater in

such a location was clearly a populist gesture, designed to

highlight that the new Flavian dynasty would not emulate

the excess of Nero.

I chose to write about the Coliseum because to me the Coliseum is such a interesting old Roman artifact. When I think of it, it reminds me of all the gladiators that lost their lives entertaining thousands of people who that it was funny to watch people die fighting to last the game until the next time they would be thrown out there. I also think of all the historical people who sat at that very place to watch the games.

Then I chose to write about this because it reminds me of when I went to Italy, and the feeling I got of being somewhere where many famous people have been before.