The construction of the Coliseum, also known as the Flavian
Circus, began in 75 AD and was completed in 80 BC. In the three or so centuries
of its operation, the Coliseum was the scene of much suffering and death for
the edification of fifty thousand Roman spectators. Beast shows were put on in
which exotic animals were put to death. Condemned prisoners were thrown to wild
animals to be torn limb from limb. Gladiators fought, very often to the death.
The Coliseum survives only as a ruin, though a part of it
has been restored so that stage plays and concerts are now held there. It is,
nevertheless, one of the most impressive historical attractions in the world.
The Roman Forum
In Ancient Rome, the Forum was the center of political and
religious life for the Romans. It was built up over the centuries with temples,
statues, monuments, palaces, and courts. It is a ruin now, but it is still a
city within a city. Some edifices, such as the Arch of Titus and the Arch of
Septimius Severus, are still pretty much intact and are very impressive to look
at. Other highlights of a visit to the Roman Forum include the ruins of the
Temple of Saturn (of which eight columns remain), the Basilica of Constantine,
the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina (best preserved in the Forum), and the
Curia, where the Roman Senate met.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from
ancient Rome. It was originally
constructed as a pagan temple, but later served as a Christian church, where
services are still held. The portico consists of three rows of eight columns,
14 m (46 feet) high of Egyptian granite with Corinthian capitals. Its dome, more impressive from the inside
than the outside, has a span of 142 feet and was the largest until the
construction of Brunelleschi's dome at the Florence
Cathedral of 1420-36.