Project on Roman Coliseum - History of Architecture | ARCH 3115, Study Guides, Projects, Research of History of Architecture

Download Project on Roman Coliseum - History of Architecture | ARCH 3115 and more Study Guides, Projects, Research History of Architecture in PDF only on Docsity! Name: Roman Coliseum or Colosseum. Originally the Flavian Amphitheatre Meaning: Location: Rome, Italy Key Dates: 72 – 80CE Architects: Unknown Function: Many uses such as an amphitheater, gladiator battles, dramas, animal hunts, and mock naval battles. Key Dimensions: The marble oval is 188m long and 156m wide. Base covering 6 acres. Materials: It was built from brick and concrete, the exterior facing in travertine whilst the interior with marble. Important Features: The tiered seating area (cavea) of the Roman Colosseum was divided into five overlapping sections. The Colosseum created divisions in the people. Entrance was free but each sector was assigned according to the social group of the people based on the rigid social hierarchy decided by the Romans. Structural System: Vaults span between 80 radial walls with 76 entrances. Built upon three very distinct levels of arcades: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. The arcade is topped by a wall embedded with half Corinthian columns and window openings. The fourth level of arcades has been designed like an attic highlighted by Corinthian pillars and by a square window for every two compartments. At one time the pillars supported the huge ‘velario' awnings which shaded spectators from the sun. Symbolism: Served as an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and its breakthrough achievements in earthquake engineering. It still has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church and thus many religious ties.