A Day At The Colosseum

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About Course

Probably one of the best-known monuments in the world, the Colosseum still tells us many amazing stories. The seminar aims to explore in depth the AMPHITEATRUM NOVUM, as it was called in ancient sources, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire, designed to entertain spectators with violent games involving men’s fights, animal hunting, and capital executions. Spectacles were performed thanks to a tremendous and well-greased crew of workers hidden under the arena who worked in extreme conditions (heat, lack of air and light, awful smells, and horrid noise), allowing the performances of men and animals. After a two-year restoration, the belly of the amphitheater is accessible again, permitting us to understand the extraordinary organization that, 2000 years ago, produced amazing special effects, transforming the stage into different settings such as savanna, woods, or ponds depending on the type of animals that were about to be hunted. This gave the spectators a proper comprehension of the immensity of the Roman Empire. When were the last shows performed? What happened to the Colosseum after the fall of the Empire? Why is there a massive cross in the building? Get the answers during this 45-minute lecture!

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What Will You Learn?

  • Explore the Architectural Marvel: Gain in-depth knowledge about the AMPHITEATRUM NOVUM, the largest amphitheater ever built in the Roman Empire.
  • Understand Ancient Entertainment: Learn about the violent games, including men’s fights, animal hunting, and capital executions that were designed to entertain the Roman spectators.
  • Discover the Hidden Workforce: Understand the role and conditions of the hidden crew of workers who operated under the arena to make the spectacles possible.
  • Examine the Colosseum's Restoration: Discover the recent restoration efforts that have made the belly of the amphitheater accessible again, revealing the extraordinary organization behind ancient Roman special effects.
  • Analyze Historical Transformations: Learn about the transformation of the Colosseum’s stage to various settings like savanna, woods, or ponds to enhance the spectacle.
  • Trace the Historical Timeline: Find out when the last shows were performed and what happened to the Colosseum after the fall of the Roman Empire.
  • Understand the Modern Symbolism: Learn about the significance of the massive cross in the building and its historical and cultural implications.

Course Content

A Day at the Colosseum

  • Lecture
    44:21

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