Roman empire is known as one of the biggest empire in the history, comparable only with the Mongol empire in 13th century under Genghis Khan in term of emporium size, starting from todays Scotland to the east up to Iran and along north cost of Africa. The kingdom was started from 753 BC to 476 AD a span of 1.229 years. When the last emperor from the line of Julius Caesar on throne emperor Nero it was said that the game and gladiator shows were reaching the most favorite era. Yet the emperor made the empire run out of fund and worse that the succession was endangered.

Until 500 BC Roman Empire was the union of Latin, Sabine, and Etruscan elements and also developed such as the finding of terra cotta statues adorned the temple of Jupiter, the superb statues of Veii and Conca. Also the work of excellent bronze has also been found. In 312 BC after first Punic war and Samnite war, the great highway from Rome to Capua with the length of 132 miles was constructed. Also a great northern highway from Rome to Ariminum ( Rimini ), and more others to connect places to Rome. The construction of amazing facilities continued which is considered the model of European countries and is considered the center of the culture.

Beside the construction of public facilities, not forgotten was the facilities of amusements, as shown by Nero that gladiators show was the most favorite amusement which was probably among the emperor and their nobilities. Although the successor of Nero was not from the line of Julius Caesar, that was the father of the founder of Flavian family, continued that's kind of amusement. Although the famous scriber such as Seneca and the poet Lucan were dead during the criminal of Nero, the art continues as well as philosophy. The reign of Nero known partly as crime which downgrade the dignity of the empire, including the great fire that devastated Rome which was suspected made by himself, although a scapegoat was to be found and directed to the Christian community. After the death of Nero the empire felt in complex civil wars. Vespasian who proclaimed emperor of Alexandria in Africa took over Rome after fierce battles. He was not from the noble line, but was said a family from Reate in Sabine country, and his father was a tax collector in Asia under emperor Augustus. Vespasian was commander of second legion in Claudian invasion to Britain, become a consul in The year of 51, and appointed governor of Africa in 63 AD, and at the end he gained throne of Roman empire ( 69 - 79 AD ). It is said that he made a great reform on financial system which made the empire to secure again and even the ability to make big construction. One of the most famous construction is the colosseum, like stadium prepared for the gladiators show and other amusement. On writing about colosseum it is called amphitheater ( Latin : Amphikcatrum ) in Italian today Anficatro and is capable of seating 50.000 persons. The construction was done from 70 through 72 AD, but continued for years for additionals.

As an amusement amphitheater the colosseum used to show mock sea battle, animal hunts, executions, and dramas of classical mythologies. In medieval era when Christian got wide followers the colosseum used for housing, workshops, quarters for religious order, fortress, quarry and Christian Shrine. Gladiator school and other supporting buildings were also constructed nearby. According to inscription found on the site, emperor Vespasian ordered to build this amphitheater from the share of general's booty which was seized from Jews community when they fired a great revolt in 70AD.

It is believed that colossseum was aimed to be the symbol of Rome victory, the icon of Rome, that was the reason the edifice was constructed in the center of Rome, not at the outer ring of the city. In 79AD is said that the construction had completed up to the 3rd story. The top level was completed by his son Titus in 80AD and was a great feast of animal onlaught during inauguration. During the emperor Domitian it were added some underground tunnels for housing animals and slaves called hypgeum.

In 217 the colosseum was damaged by great fire caused by lightning and was only repaired in 250, 252 and 320. In 443 it was damaged again by earth quake and repaired under the emperor Theodosius II and Valentinian III, between 425 to 508. The last gladiator show was recorded in 435, but animal hunts continued until 523. In 1349 again it was damaged by massive earth quake, causing outer south wall felt down. It was a pity that tumbled materials were collected for the use of different constructions.

The architecture of the seats reflects rigid stratification of Roman society. There are special seats for emperor, at which same level is podium for senator class, the next above is for noble class or knights, and next above this was reserved for common Roman ( the plebeians ) which is divided into 2 sections, lower part for wealthy citizens, and upper part for poor citizens. Special sections were also provided for social groups such as boys with tutors, soldiers on leave, foreign dignitaries, scribes, heralds, priests and others.

The colosseum is now the most favorite tourist destination in Rome, Italy, together with some ancient monument form the great interest of Rome. The Capitolium located on a hill in the city dedicated to the 3 patron of Rome, Jupiter the god of wisdom and war, Minerva and Juno. It is constructed as designed by Michel Angelo, the most famous sculptor of the Hellenistic period. Forum Romanum, the central part of the city where can be found various temples and the triumphal arch of Augustus. Piazza Novana, a place already inhabited since 2.000 years which is now a concentration of cafes, restaurants, and it is the center of Roman culture. Pantheon, large number of alleys dotted with cafes, restaurants, building of parliament, banks, and markets, more inclusive one is the Pazza di Spagna.

Sources

Marsh, F.D. : The Foundation of Roman Empire, Oxford University Press, 1927
Stewart C. Easton : The Western Heritages from the Earliest to the Present, Holdt, Reinhart and Winston, 1965
Dudly, Donal R. : The Civilization of Rome, New American Library, 1962
Strong, E. : Art in Ancient Rome, London, William Heinemann Ltd, 1929
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