Coliseum

Colosseum

Colosseum or Coliseum (both: kŏləsēˈəm), Ital. Colosseo, common name of the Flavian Amphitheater in Rome, near the southeast end of the Forum, between the Palatine and Esquiline hills. Begun by Vespasian, c.A.D. 75, and completed by his son Titus in A.D. 80, it is the most imposing of Roman antiquities. The vast four-storied oval is 617 ft (188 m) by 512 ft (156 m), much of which is still standing; it had tier on tier of marble seats accommodating c.45,000 spectators. It encloses an arena measuring 250 ft (76 m) by 151 ft (46 m) where gladiatorial combats were held (see gladiators) until 404. According to tradition, persecuted Christians were thrown there to beasts. The Colosseum has been damaged several times by earthquakes.

Bibliography

See J. Pearson, Arena: The Story of the Colosseum (1974).

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Coliseum

Any large amphitheater; any large sports arena, open or roofed.

Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture Copyright © 2012, 2002, 1998 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved

colosseum, coliseum

colosseum, 1 showing seating and plan at various levels

1.(cap.) The Flavian amphitheater in Rome.

2. Any large Roman amphitheater.

3. Now, any large sports arena, open or roofed.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.