Rome Coliseum
 The
Coliseum is one of Rome's best recognised landmarks and surely
one of the most widely known monuments anywhere in the world.
Dating from the first century
AD, it was originally known as the Flavium Amphitheatre - the
current name became popular because the stadium was situated next to
a colossal statue of Nero - and was designed to entertain up to 50,000
spectators with bloody events such as flights between gladiators, wild
animal hunts and even mock naval battles.
The contestants were made up of
slaves, prisoners and even volunteers and it is claimed that up to ten
thousand people could be slaughterd in some of these murderous extravaganzas.
Of the varieties of show, perhaps Christians being fed to the lions is
the best known.
Under the wooden floor were a network
of passages and rooms used for containing the animals used during the
shows, but by removing the flooring and flooding the lower chambers,
mock naval battles were able to be staged. Eventually these battles were
moved to another site due to the popularity of gladiatorial combat.
The Coliseum is constructed from three
tiers of arches and is built in the shape of a giant ellipse - it measures
188 metres by 156 metres (615 ft by 510 ft).
Rome
Rome is one of the best loved and most visited
cities in the world.
Flights
to Rome
All Europe's major airlines operate
daily flights to Rome which gives Americans the choice of flying
direct.
Accommodation
in Rome
When most visitors come to book accommodation
the first place they look is hotels, but there are othe options.
Restaurants
Italy is well known for its food - there
is nowhere better to try the variety of the country than in Rome.
Sightseeing
The Coliseum is surrounded by the usual
touts and men dressed in Roman costume, inauthentically smoking.
Getting
around
While much of Rome can be seen on foot,
public transport is ideal to travel between different locations.
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