Roman Empire and Colosseum Essay

Submitted By oliviaf96
Words: 404
Pages: 2

The history of the Roman Colosseum started hundreds of years before it was actually built, when the tastes of Roman citizens craved the excitement and blood desire of the gladiatorial games. Their taste for blood and this form of entertainment dates back to 264AD when the first recorded Roman gladiator fights took place in Rome. The main intentions for the Colosseum to be built was so they could host all kinds of gladiatorial contests as well as public spectacles, to entertain the Roman population and to keep them happy (bread and circuses). The Colosseum, also identified as the Flavian amphitheatre, was built in Rome under the Flavian emperors. The construction of the Colosseum had begun sometime between the 70 and 72 CE during the reign of Vespasian. It is located just east of the Palatine Hill, on the grounds of what was Nero's Golden House. The artificial lake which was the centrepiece at Nero's palace was drained, and the Colosseum was to be sited there. After the death of Nero, the attitude of the Roman citizens towards the imperial system was at an all-time low. Vespasian had to get support back from the people and assure the popularity and status of the Flavian family. His plan was to destroy the palace of Nero and assemble a permanent arena for housing free gladiator games and other entertainment for the amusement of the Roman Society. The significance of the building to be allocated on the grounds of Nero's Golden House was to convey the glory of Rome. In 80 CE, the structure