THE COLOSSEUM is one of the world’s most straightaway identifiable edifices; a symbol of the Roman Empire at the pomp of its power and — some would say — its decadence. The ancient stone amphitheater, commissioned by the Roman emperor Vespasian and built in the first century A.D., is surely colossal, but that’s not how it got its name.
The public auditorium was built on the site of Nero’s lavish private palace (the Golden House) in part to obliterate that emperor’s legacy of excess. But sarcastically, the Colosseum is thought to have picked up its name from Nero anyway— particularly, from its then proximity to the Colossus of Nero.
The beautiful setting of the arena is wonderful. It abuts the Forum, where visitors walk the similar streets once trod by Caesars and senators. It’s hard to misjudge the influence these ancient sites had on Western culture. The now exposed cells beneath the partially rebuilt floor held wild animals and gladiators. Both were brought in front of ear-piercing crowds to fight, over and over again to the death.
A Colosseum ticket also gives entrance to the next Forum, the civic, political, and social center of the Roman Empire. The Forum at its leading teemed with lawyers, slaves, and designated leaders. A lot would have been heading to the Curia Julia, or Senate house. The beautiful brick structure was later converted to a church, which is why it still stands nowadays.
In close proximity is where Julius Caesar was cremated after his assassination. In the middle of the Forum stands the house of the Vestal Virgins and the Temple of Vesta. Here lived honored priestesses, who were buried alive if they broke their vow of chastity. Their most vital duty was tending a sacred fire, which was believed to protect the city.
The wonderful 75-foot-tall (23 m) Arch of Septimius Severus honors an emperor who ruled during the second and third centuries A.D. Even in ruins, the arch is impressive: It must have had a profound effect on conquered foes that were hauled back from the battlefield to be paraded down these streets after another Roman legion victory.
It is the most beautiful of ruins; there breathes
all the majesty of ancient Rome.
~ STENDHAL, 19TH-CENTURY FRENCH WRITER