January 16 (Part One): Colosseum and Triumphal Arches

After another beautiful breakfast buffet at the hotel, we embarked on our journey for the day. First up on the agenda: the Colosseum. We learned that the structure was built after a fire had destroyed the area where the Colosseum is now situated. It is rumored that the fire could’ve been purposeful, but believe what you will. Anyway, the huge amphitheater was constructed by the Flavian emperor Vespasian as a celebration of his rule. He was able to build it after conquering Judea and plundering a temple, bringing back a source of treasure to fund and prisoners to build the project. Although the Colosseum is an impressive feat, it is necessary to understand that it was constructed by Jewish slaves at the cost of the destruction of a city and temple.

The Colosseum’s construction only took 4 years and it was used to house gladiatorial combat entertainment. Romans from all social classes would come to the theater to watch. A person’s position in the theater dictated their social standing, so people from all walks of life would attend the games. The empire sponsored the combat, so there is some speculation about the true purpose for this form of entertainment. Mike mentioned that some believe that the elite didn’t enjoy going to the fights and that it was the poor who enjoyed them most. If this is true, the elite still attended and the state could have put them on to keep the poor from revolting by feeding them and giving them entertainment with a bread and circuses approach as a means of distraction.

Nevertheless the Colosseum became an economic center for life in Rome. There were days that were dedicated to attending gladiatorial fights. Vendors of all kinds would thrive from selling goods outside of the theater where all kinds of people would partake. The end of the gladiator days of slaves and animals being forced to fight and die for the entertainment of Romans came in 399 CE, and it is said that the city actually experienced a mini economic depression. Since the Colosseum was so vital to the Roman empire and is a internationally recognized structure, the term colosseum is now used to describe a large arena or stadium. This ancient structure signifies the golden age of the Roman empire, yet once it fell into disuse the structure was damaged. People would take marble and other valuable materials from the site, leaving a skeleton of what once was a significant aspect of Roman social life. Even with the current condition of the structure, the grandeur of the Roman empire is well preserved and depicted in the Colosseum.

Following our appointment at the Colosseum, and a nice break, we went to the Roman Forum. We walked along the Via Sacra where I imagined the Romans of yore going about their everyday routines. Some of the most spectacular structures along the Via Sacra (the main road in ancient Rome) were the triumphant arches. The road includes three arches that were constructed right after the Roman Empire had achieved a conquest so that the procession of victorious soldiers could come through the arches as a way of celebration. Cults honoring the success of the emperor would form, and a large celebration called the Roman Triumph would ensue. The arches are the Arch of Constantine, Arch of Titus, and Arch of Septimus Severus.

Each arch represents a specific victory, which we observed in the Arch of Titus. This particular arch depicts the ransacking of Jerusalem. The arch depicts a scene of the Romans proudly sacking the city. They are even carrying a menorah, but not quite for the purpose of celebrating Hannukah. This arch also inspired the construction of the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, which was used for the same purpose of celebrating a French triumph.

The Roman Empire is a significant part of history, and by visiting the heart of the empire here in Rome we are able to experience this history. The vibrancy of the city’s culture is made up of celebrating the unification of both the ancient and the modern. Today we were able to take our own victorious lap through Rome’s streets, an experience we won’t forget! But this isn’t even close to all we covered today, it’s just the tip of the iceberg! Click onto part 2 of today to hear more about the Roman Forum and our visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Grazie a tutti! (Thanks y'all!)