This colossal structure certainly lives up to its name as it’s one of the greatest examples of Roman architecture and engineering. With the smash hit film ¨Gladiator¨, more and more people have become aware of the true purposes behind the construction of the coliseum.

Originally capable of seating around 50,000 spectators, the Coliseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Amazingly, the Coliseum remained in use for nearly 500 years as the last recorded games date back to the sixth century. Needless to mention, this was the largest public venue facility in antiquity and took a total of ten years to make. The Coliseum stood 160 feet high with four stories of arches, columns and windows. Apart from gladiatorial battles, the Coliseum was also used for oratory performances and animal shows. Other activities included re-enactments of famous battles and dramas used on classical mythology. The Coliseum was then an arena that accompanied all the various tastes of the public making it suitable and appropriate for vast amounts of people.

Interestingly, the Coliseum later ceased to be used for entertainment purposes. Instead it was later used for varied purposes such as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order and an Christian shrine. The fact that the Coliseum was later used as a Christian Shrine is quite remarkable as Christians were fed to lions in the earlier days of the Coliseum. As below the wooden arena floor, there was a complex set of rooms and passageways for wild beasts and other provisions for staging the spectacles. The enjoyments of the spectacles could go on without interruption as an approximate 80 entrances were build in order for crowds to enter and exit the Coliseum with ease.

One cannot forget the Coliseum’s true purpose which was to combat battle showing off Rome’s wealth and extravagance. Today the Coliseum acts as one of the many tourist attraction sites and displays both the grandeur and the cruelty of the old Roman world. A structure from an old world which nonetheless continues to attract people from around the world, regardless of age, race, education and culture. On your visit to Rome, make sure you arrange all of your accommodation arrangements in advance by booking one of the many Appartementen Rome.

If you plan to stay for a prolonged period of time, then it is advisable to book apartments Rome instead of hotels. By booking an appartement Rome, you will dictate your experience of Rome and not allow any inconveniences to spoil your fun!