|
|
The Emperor Flavius Vespasian erected this wonderful Amphitheatre A. D. 72, after his return from the Jewish war, on the site of Nero's lakes and gardens, that is, almost in the midst of ancient Rome. It is said to have been finished in five years; and to have cost 10,000,000 crowns, and employed 12,000 Jews, who were made slaves at the conquest of Jerusalem. Vespasian also transported the famous colossal statue of Nero, which that ernperor had raised in the vestibule of his palace, to the square before this Amphitheatre; hence the name of Coliseum: although some persons believe this denomination to have arisen from its extent, and really colossal height. Titus completely finished it and solemnly dedicated it to his lather, Vespasian.
These dedications varied according to the description of the edifice: the dedication of a theatre was celebrated by a drama; that of a circus by a chariot-race; that of a Naumachia, by naval combats; and that of an amphitheatre, by gladiators* combats, and the hunting of wild beasts. It is related, that on the dedication day of this superb edifice, Titus had 5,000 animals, of different species, brought here, which were all killed : besides these games, naval combats were exhibited, although there was a place purposely appropriated to mock sea-fights. The only difference between the amphitheatres and theatres was, that the latter were in the form of a semi-circle; and the former, like a whole circle ; so that they resembled two theatres joined.
This superb building, almost entirely composed of large pieces of travertine marble, is raised on two bases on which the exterior arches rest; from what is still remaining, it is evident that the whole edifice was externally surrounded by three rows of arches, raised one above the other, and intermixed with half-columns, which supported the entablature. Each row was composed of eighty arches with as many columns; these gave light to the double piazzas; the edifice was terminated by a fourth row of pillars, much higher than the other three, and closed by a wall, containing forty intermediate windows. The first row of columns is of the Doric order; the second, Ionic; and the third and fourth, Corinthian.
The first row of arches is marked with Roman numbers; these formed so many entrances, which, by means of twenty staircases led to the upper piazzas and to the seats; so that every one could go to his place without difficulty ; and at the end of the games the numerous spectators were able to quit the amphitheatre in a very short time without any confusion.
Between the two arches numbered xxxvm. and xxxix., is one without a number, of which Jhe entablature is cjuitc. wanting; it js therefore probable that it supported the piazza which led to the palace and baths of Titus on the Esquiline Mount, and served the emperor as a private entrance into the amphitheatre.
The form of this vast edifice is oval; the exterior circumference is 1702 feet, and the height 163. The whole building exhibits a simplicity and solidity in proportion to the extent of such a magnificent structure; one can scarcely form an idea of its immensity, unless it is viewed from the first or second tier.
Several arcades, columns, and pillars, have lately been discovered under ground, as well as all the double piazzas, under which the spectator may walk and admire the astonishing height and interior circumference of this superb edifice. Some subterranean staircases were likewise discovered at the same time; the most remarkable was that used by the emperors to pass secretly from the palace to the amphitheatre.
Several fragments of marble columns, statues, and basso relievos, were also found, as well as inscriptions ; the most interesting is that of Lanlpidiits, prefect of Rome, about the year 430, A.D., which mentions that he restored the Arena, the Podium, the false doors, and the seats for the spectators.
There were two entrances to the Arena; one was by the side of the arch, and is still used as an entrance; the other faces the street that leads to St. John Laterano. The place where the games, &c., were celebrated, was called Arena, from the gravel or sand, with which the ground was covered for the convenience of the actors. 'This Arena is oval, and 306 feet long, 196 wide, and 805 in circumference; it was surrounded by a wall of moderate height to prevent the animals from escaping. There were several iron gratings in this wall, through which the gladiators and wild beasts entered. . The projection of the wall which surrounded the Arena was called Podium, and here were placed the seats destined for the emperor and his family, for the senators and principal magistrates, and for the vestals.
Above the Podium were the seats for the other spectators: a number of doors led to these places, and were called Vomitores, from the multitude of people who passed them. These seats were divided into three rows of benches anciently called Meniana: the first row contained twelve benches, the second fifteen, they were of marble ; the third, which was of wood, contained ten; having been burnt it was restored by Heliogabalus and Alexander Severus, as we read in their lives. This last row was surrounded by eighty marble columns. The seats altogether, were able to contain 87,000 spectators; and more than 20,000 could be conveniently accommodated in the piazzas above.
Near the last row of windows there are someholes, corresponding with brackets, where it is supposed the bronze or iron beams were placed, to which the pulleys and cords were fastened, that supported the velarium, or tent, which covered the
amphitheatre, in order to guard the spectators front • the sun or from rain.
The greater part of this superb and magnificent structure, the most wonderful monument of ancient Rome, has been injured by time and earthquakes'. It is certain that in the fourteenth century it was already partly destroyed. Many of the stones have been employed in building the palace of the Chancery, and the Venetian, and Farnese palaces. The ruins of this master-piece of antiquity have imperceptibly acquired so much of the picturesque that few even wish the original building restored.
|
|
