Discussion
Art of different periods shows the development of people’s history. Paintings, architecture, sculpture and other types of art which managed to remain till our times give people a lot of information about times when ancient people lived, how they lived and what materials they used in order to make their life comfortable. Pieces of art, which remained till our times, show us cultural level of people, their interests and as a result the level of their mental development.
Main Text
Colosseum in Rome is the building which remained till our times. This building shows us the level of ancient Roman culture, the meaning of the theater during those times. It is the main monument in Rome. It was built in the Romans times by Vespasian and completed by his son Titus. It building was started in AD 72 and finished in AD 80. Colosseum has such sizes: 614 ft (187 m) long, 509 ft (115 m) wide and 187 ft (57 m) high. The building could comprise 50,000 spectators, according to modern investigations. (Garwood, 2006)
The building was built during the ruling of two different persons, so the architectural decisions differ in some ways. It seems that Vespasian completed three first rangers and his follower, Titus, added two more rangers. Colosseum was built out of travertine blocks. One block was 5 feet high and 10 feet long (1.5 by 3 meters). These blocks were fixed together with metal cramps, thanks to which these blocks gave elliptical shape of the walls. (Langmead & Garnaut, 2001)
Colosseum’s façade is “a visually compelling assembly of three tiers of 80 round-arched openings, each flanked by engages columns, surmounted by a taller but barer storey articulated with Corinthian pilasters” (Watkin, 2005, p. 63). The building is half ruined but reconstruction helped to save it on the same level, moreover people may see its real appearance. It is plain building with lots of rows, arcs and tunnels. The half ruined building still allows people to assess its great structure and magnificent look.
Colosseum was built according to architectural traditions of its period, so the work is typical for its period. All buildings in the named period were constructed so magnificent and huge. It is an amphitheater which was used for gladiator fights and fights with animals. Different sources name different number of killed animals and people. This place was also used as the place for performances. A lot of people were able to visit it. This information confirms the fact that the main entertainment for people of that time was public performance, whether on the theater stage or fighting arena.
Colosseum does not perform its direct function now. People are unable to visit it with the purpose to see performances there. It is also not used to shoot films about gladiators as the building has been ruined a lot. The only purpose of Colosseum in modern world is the architectural monument of ancient Rome. The theater may be named one of the most significant places in the world, not only Rome.
Conclusion
So, Colosseum is a building which is known all over the world. The building has saved its general look, but was ruined a lot (it has lost two third of its real size), so the only purpose it may serve now is as sightseeing which Roman people should be proud of. The theater is not just the architectural monument, it is the symbol of Rome and Romans, which characterizes its magnificence.
Reference List
Garwood, D. (2006). Rome. Lonely Planet.
Langmead, D. & Garnaut, C. (2001) Encyclopedia of architectural and engineering feats. ABC-CLIO.
Watkin, D. (2005). A history of Western architecture. Laurence King Publishing.