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1 Chapter 1 : Roman Empire Marvel Database FANDOM powered by Wikia Written for the pilgrim and sightseer c by Benedict, a canon of St. Peter's, this is the best medieval guide to the city and an important source for the location of its medieval churches and ancient monuments. Despite these base associations, no one can neglect the majestic architecture of the building and its influence on the Romans. It still stands for the great Roman Empire, which shaped the world as we know it. The History of the Colosseum Amphitheaters were a result of the tradition of funeral games held by Romans to help facilitate the journey of the deceased to the afterlife, by pleasing the gods. After the suicide of the infamous Emperor Nero, civil wars broke out in the Roman Empire. Vasperisan emerged out victorious and overtook the throne. He laid the foundation of the Flavid Dynasty. In 72 CE, he ordered the construction of largest amphitheater of all times in the heart of Rome â The Colosseum. This symbolized the ascension of Vasperisan to power and his might. Emperor Vespasian could not see his ambitious project completed as he died in 79 CE; the building had only two-story built at that time. The rest of the structure was completed by Emperor Titius, the eldest son, and heir of Vespasian. He dedicated the amphitheater to the public in 80 CE with the inauguration of days of games although the construction was not finished. The successor of Titius, Emperor Domitian added the hypogeum to the Colosseum in 82 CE, hence completing the structure as we know it. Advertisement Colosseum draws its name from the Colossus, a colossal statue of Nero situated near the amphitheater. One of the Grandest Designs Ever Built The war spoils from the sack of Jerusalem ensured a limitless supply of men and wealth for the construction of the grand monument. Over, slaves were employed to finish the construction of the Colosseum as soon as possible. The grand design of the Colosseum suggests extensive planning, perspective drawings, and other architectural aids, but none of these can be attributed to a man or a group. The monument is an example of fine engineering and demonstrates technological advancement of the Romans. The structure spans an area of 6 acres encircled by an outer circumference of meters. It is meters long and about meters wide. The outer facade stands 48 m high above the ground, equivalent to a story building. The amphitheater is elliptical in shape. Unlike other massive structures of that time, the Colosseum is a freestanding building owing to a complex system of groin and barrel vaults. Advertisement It was constructed in a level valley between the Esquiline and Caelian Hills. The most prominent features of the building are its columns and arches. The first story is decorated with Tuscan order columns, the second story with Ionian columns and the third one with Corthinian style columns. The fourth story of the Colosseum is mainly decorated with pilasters and Corthinian capitals. While the lower three-stories have abundant arches, the fourth story lacks them and instead features small windows. These windows have plinths, which most probably were used to support the Velarium. The arches were decorated with statues of gods and emperors. The exterior top of the building was covered with a gilded bronze shield. An Arena with 36 Trap Doors and 2 Underground Levels The arena comprised of a wooden floor with 15cm of sand which was often colored red to disguise the spilled blood. It measured 83 meters by 48 meters. Advertisement The arena was dotted with 36 trap doors, which were used to make impressive and sudden entry of animals, gladiators, and scenery. The second son of Vespasian, Emperor Domitian, improved on the design and added the Hypogeum. The hypogeum consisted of a two-level underground network of corridors and cells. Well-designed machinery was installed to bring in the gladiators and the wild animals in the arena. The hoisting device called Hegmata was employed to hoist up heavy animals on to the arena. Elevators and pulleys were employed to change the props and scenery in the arena. The hypogeum was filled with animals, slaves, gladiators who worked to keep the shows going. The arena had a Gate of Life and a Gate of Death for the entrance and exit of the victorious and the killed gladiators, respectively. There is also evidence of a hydraulic mechanism to flood the arena for a mock-sea battle. It included hundreds of fountains to satiate the thirst of the spectators. Many aqueducts were constructed for storing water. Pipes were laid in the walls to facilitate the supply of the water. Holed seats were provided for public toilets. The water and drainage system was very efficient and marked great architectural skills and planning of the Roman engineers. The invention of concrete and vaulted arches made possible the construction of such a massive structure in a short period of Page 1

2 time. A wide variety of materials were used in the construction work. The outer facade was built with an estimated, cubic meter of Travertine limestone. Travertine was quarried in Trivoli, 20 miles from Rome. It was held together by tons of iron clamps. Concrete was used extensively in the construction of vaulted arches, which were used as the ceiling for the passages. This provided the structure excessive strength without adding much to the weight. Bricks were also used in the inner walls and arches. A strong but light volcanic rock Tufo was used in the cement and inner walls to make the structure light-weighted. The seats were made up of marble. Stairs and seats were made in the workshop and later brought to install them in place. This technique saved construction time. Advertisement The seat for the Emperor was made with a colored marble and was wider than other seats. Tiles were also used to decorate the walls and the floors. An Amphitheater with 80 entrances and a Frontage Shield The problem of crowd control inside the Colosseum was addressed using the same solution we use today: A total of 80 entrances were used in the amphitheater, out of which 76 were numbered and the rest unnumbered. The spectators were allocated tokens to help them find the seats assigned. The whole building could be evacuated in a couple of minutes owing to an ingenious system of stairs, corridors and entrance gates. The amphitheater hosted Velarium, a retractable overhang, to shield the spectators from the sun and the rain. The Velarium was made up of canvas and net and covered over two-thirds of the structure. It was controlled and maneuvered by a team of sailors. The North end and South end provided the best view and were reserved for the Emperor and Vestal Virgins. On the same level, there were seats for the Senators. The first tier of seating was reserved for knights and other nobles. The details in the seating and wall structure diminish as we move up. The above strata were meant for common citizens; the wealthy took the lower seats, and the poor took upper ones. Another story was later added to the amphitheater, which provided space for women and the poor. It was mostly seat-less and the spectators had to enjoy the show standing all the time. Moreover, this upper story was about m from the center of the arena, which really ruined the spectator experience. Iconic Entertainment at the Colosseum The Flavian Amphitheater was one of the most happening places in not just Rome, but all over the world. The gladiator fights are most iconic of myriads of events that took place in the arena. Another famous event was wild animal hunting. Exotic animals from Africa and the Middle East were brought to the Colosseum where they were used in different performances. The fierce animals were hunted by the gladiators and other participants. Most of the other games were equally gory, heinous and cruel. These games were frequently organized, sometimes continuously for tens of days. Some less violent activities also had their place in the arena. Mythological legends were often enacted by the performers. For such events, extensive sceneries and props were employed to make things as lively as possible. The valor of the heroes, the power of the Gods and the death of some eminent figures was the subject of such enactments. There are also records of processions and sacrifices being performed in the arena. But the most wonderful events at the Colosseum were the enactment of sea warfare. The arena was filled with water and specially trained horses and oxen were used in the battle. Men with weapons and their ships fought these mock wars; this made a great show for the Romans. Such sea battles were held even at the initial days of games under Emperor Titus. The Colosseum fulfilled many other purposes other than showcasing social prestige and might of the Roman Emperors. It served as a source of distraction for the unemployed and unsatisfied Plebs the citizens ; this helped in keeping a social unrest at bay. The events at the amphitheater were used to spread propaganda for the Roman Emperors. It helped them in reaching masses and instill a sense of fear and obedience in the heart of the public. Since the amphitheater was used as a site of criminal executions, a large number of Christians convicted for blasphemy were executed here. The church holds this place sacred in the remembrance of the martyrdom of the faithful Christians. How the Colosseum Fell with the Roman Empire With an impressive tenure period of the Romans, Colosseum enjoyed the attraction of the Romans for a very long time. It was not until 3rd century that the Colosseum started losing its stature. Page 2

3 Chapter 2 : Colosseum New7Wonders of the World To ask other readers questions about The Marvels of Rome, please sign up. Be the first to ask a question about The Marvels of Rome Odd little medieval (13th c) tourguide to Rome. Points out the obvious that almost every church in Rome was built on the site of a pagan temple. This edition contains a. From Rome Hotel accommodation: Your Rome Cabs professional Driver will pick you up at your hotel in Rome at 8: If you wish to begin your tour from Civitavecchia cruise port, please click HERE to book the shore excursion version of this tour. Please click on image to see more photos of the Colosseum. Your first stop will be at one of the most recognizable monuments in the world and the symbol of Rome: Considered one of the greatest examples of Roman architectural and engineering achievements, the elliptical amphitheater is on the list of Wonders of the World. An engineering feat, the Coliseum was engineered to seat up to 50, spectators and was primarily used for gladiatorial games and other public spectacles such as animal hunts, re-enactments of famous battles, mock sea battles, mythological plays, and executions. On this visit you have the opportunity to enter the Coliseum where all the action took place for nearly 4 centuries! Nearby is the remains of the first and largest stadium for public games built in the entire Roman Empire, and the model that inspired many more since. At over 2, feet long and nearly feet wide, it easily accommodated, spectators. Famously known for its dangerous chariot racing, the stadium also hosted gladiatorial games, animal hunts, plays, religious and public ceremonies, parades, and elaborate parades. From here you will visit the bath complex that certainly inspired awe in in the ancients themselves. The Baths of Caracalla were not just thermal baths, but the most impressive and well preserved surviving example of an Imperial bath and recreational complex in Antiquity. Built by Emperor Caracalla in approximately AD, the bath complex was able to accommodate up to 10, people at a time with 1, bathers in a vast area covering approximately 1,, square feet. The massive complex included an Olympic size swimming pool natatio, a cold baths frigidarium, a hot baths caldarium, and exercise courts palastrae. Throughout an intricate two level subterranean network of rooms and passageways were service areas that operated the baths, and systems that drained liquid waste into sewage channels. The interior of the baths was once richly adorned with architectural opulence that included columns - some 16 of which weighed approximately 50 tons. Many priceless columns, sculptures, mosaics and statues that once belonged inside the baths can be found scattered throughout Italy in churches, piazzas, buildings and museums. Aside from bath areas, the complex also included large public libraries in Greek and Latin, gardens, and shops. Business meetings were often held here in conference rooms. For Ancient Romans, bathing was not just a normal function of cleanliness and relaxation, it was also a common way for people to connect, network, and conduct business. Please click on image to see more photos of Via Appia. Named after the magistrate who initiated its construction, Appius Claudius Caecus, the road was built to connect Rome to Capua at a time when the region of Campania was forming a joined political existence with Rome. Built in B. The Ancient Appian Way is impressively well preserved where you can get an overall idea of what an ancient Roman road used to be like. Within the original stones, you can see the grooves created by chariot and wagon wheels that traveled through here for centuries. After lunch we will continue to the Park of the Aqueducts. Bringing fresh water to Rome helped the city grow and flourish, and this was done through the incredible achievements of aqueducts. Roman engineers understood the principles necessary to allow water to move uphill and downhill through the aqueducts as it traveled long distances. While large portions of the aqueducts were underground, some were above ground, especially as the aqueducts neared the city of Rome. In the Park of the Aqueducts you can see the majestic beauty of what remains of some of the seven major aqueducts recognized by their distinguished arches that supported the flow of water. Please click on image to see more photos of the Pantheon. After nearly 2, years, this ancient monument is also the longest in continuous use, its survival due to its exceptional strength and stability, and its 7th century conversion into the church of St Mary of the Martyrs. One fascinating historical fact about the Pantheon is that the building we see now is the third Pantheon that was built on this spot: The second Pantheon was rebuilt by Emperor Domitian, but it was struck by lightning 30 years later and burned down as a result. The current Pantheon was built by Emperor Hadrian in AD and Page 3

4 dedicated to its original builder, Marcus Agrippa - the dedication inscription can be boldly seen on the front. What the Pantheon is most famous for is its impressive dome that has inspired architects for centuries. In the center of the coffered dome is the oculus, a round opening that allows light and the weather to enter inside the circular interior. While the original purpose for the Pantheon remains unknown, its own name indicates that it was a temple dedicated to all gods. Throughout the remaining ruins you can imagine the opulence that overwhelmed succeeding emperors, like Emperor Constantinus who visited from Constantinople. Historian Marcellinus who was likely present during such a visit wrote: Your driver will now return you back to your hotel. We thank you for choosing RomeCabs Limousine Service for your tours, shore excursions and transfers. We look forward to seeing you in Italy soon! To expedite your reservation process, please refer to these sections as you may find instant answers to your questions right here. Before placing your reservation, please read all the information on this page, especially in the "Please Note" section, and must be in agreement with all the information stated. Thank you for your cooperation. Page 4

5 Chapter 3 : The Marvels of Rome : Benedict XVI : Book digitized by Google from the library of the University of California and uploaded to the Internet Archive by user tpb. Pt. I. Of the foundation of Rome, and of her chief monumentspt. II. Divers histories touching certain famous places and images in Romept. III. Built of concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built. The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian 81â These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their family name Flavius. The Colosseum could hold, it is estimated, between 50, and 80, spectators, having an average audience of some 65,; it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles for only a short time as the hypogeum was soon filled in with mechanisms to support the other activities, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine. Although partially ruined because of damage caused by earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. The Colosseum is also depicted on the Italian version of the five-cent euro coin. The building was constructed by emperors of the Flavian dynasty, following the reign of Nero. This name is still used in modern English, but generally the structure is better known as the Colosseum. In antiquity, Romans may have referred to the Colosseum by the unofficial name Amphitheatrum Caesareum with Caesareum an adjective pertaining to the title Caesar, but this name may have been strictly poetic as it was not exclusive to the Colosseum; Vespasian and Titus, builders of the Colosseum, also constructed an amphitheater of the same name in Puteoli modern Pozzuoli. The name Colosseum has long been believed to be derived from a colossal statue of Nero nearby the statue of Nero was named after the Colossus of Rhodes. Despite its pagan links, the statue remained standing well into the medieval era and was credited with magical powers. It came to be seen as an iconic symbol of the permanence of Rome. In the 8th century, a famous epigram attributed to the Venerable Bede celebrated the symbolic significance of the statue in a prophecy that is variously quoted: However, at the time that the Pseudo-Bede wrote, the masculine noun coliseus was applied to the statue rather than to what was still known as the Flavian amphitheatre. The Colossus did eventually fall, possibly being pulled down to reuse its bronze. The statue itself was largely forgotten and only its base survives, situated between the Colosseum and the nearby Temple of Venus and Roma. The name further evolved to Coliseum during the Middle Ages. Chapter 4 : The Marvels of Rome : Clara Sereni : The Marvels of Rome (1) Part of my study abroad trip to London and Rome in September is a series of blog posts about some assigned readings, and reflections upon them. This is the fourteenth such post, and is one of one about The Marvels of Rome (of which I am uncertain on the author name). Chapter 5 : The world's least known architectural marvels could rival Rome's Colosseum Note: Citations are based on reference standards. However, formatting rules can vary widely between applications and fields of interest or study. The specific requirements or preferences of your reviewing publisher, classroom teacher, institution or organization should be applied. Chapter 6 : Seven Wonders of Ancient Rome - RomeCabs The Marvels of Rome Book Description: Written for the pilgrim and sightseer c by Benedict, a canon of St. Peter's, this is Page 5

6 the best medieval guide to the city and an important source for the location of its medieval churches and ancient monuments. Chapter 7 : The Marvels of Rome = Mirabilia Urbis Romae in SearchWorks catalog The Marvels of Rome, Or a Picture of the Golden City: An English Version of the Medieval Guide-Book, with a Supplement of Illustrative Matter, and Notes [Francis Morgan Nichols] on blog.quintoapp.com *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Chapter 8 : Rome Marvel Database FANDOM powered by Wikia In this Rome Cabs' exclusive Seven Wonders of Ancient Rome Day Tour and Shore Excursion, you will experience the magnificence of these world famous ancient sites that have endured through the millennium and continue to astonish contemporary architects and engineers, inspire people's imagination, and fill you with a sense of timeless. Chapter 9 : The Marvels of Rome by Canon Benedict Mirabilia Urbis Romae ("Marvels of the City of Rome") is a much-copied medieval Latin text that served generations of pilgrims and tourists as a guide to the city of Rome. The original, which was written by a canon of St Peter's, dates from the s. Page 6