When The Colosseum Falls, Rome Will Fall; But When Rome Falls, The World Will End

When the possibility of traveling to Rome arises, many sights and attractions come to mind - the first of which

for many is the historic Colosseum. This amphitheater is most famously known for hosting gladiator games, where combatants would entertain audiences in violent confrontations with other gladiators, wild animals, and condemned criminals. Another prominent event was the animal hunt, or venatio. This genre of entertainment was often elaborately staged and involved the hunting and killing of wild animals imported from the Middle East and Africa. Though the colosseum has a bloody history, less gruesome events occurred such as simulated sea battles, recreations of natural scenes, and reenacted mythological legends.

Completed in 80 A.D., Rome’s most renowned classical ruin, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is considered one of the greatest works of architecture and engineering of all time.  Constructed from brick and concrete, the exteriors were faced in travertine held together by 300 tons of iron clamps, and the interiors in marble. The 'cavea' (spectator) bleachers were set on three different levels: the 'podium' with the imperial box, reserved for the nobles; the 'ordine del mezzo', for Roman citizens and people of a certain standing; and the 'summa,' for the rest of the populous.

Though restorative projects have taken place over the centuries since its construction, the site’s first full cleaning and repair is underway. The public-private partnership between Diego Della Valle and local officials is set to clean and restore the Colosseum’s arcaded façade as well as replace the metal enclosures that block the ground-level arches. Furthermore, the €25 million restoration project aims to create a services center and restore the galleries and underground spaces inside the Colosseum.

Whether you have an itch for the deep-rooted mythological history, an eye for architectural design, or a simple curiosity, this historic ruin is one attraction you do not want to miss.