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Colosseum - The arena


Colosseum - The arena
Photo Information
Copyright: George Rumpler (Budapestman) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 3913 W: 0 N: 7052] (25037)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 1994-08-12
Categories: Architecture, Artwork
Camera: Olympus OM10
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Your Favorites, Magnificent architectural memories from Europe [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2006-11-09 10:38
Viewed: 1264
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 30
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Colosseum or Coliseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is a giant amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome. Originally capable of seating 50,000 spectators, it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It was built on a site just east of the Roman Forum, with construction starting between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian. The amphitheatre, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire, was completed in 80 under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign.
The Colosseum remained in use for nearly 500 years with the last recorded games being held there as late as the 6th century — well after the traditional date of the fall of Rome in 476. As well as the traditional gladiatorial games, many other public spectacles were held there, such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building eventually ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such varied purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry and a Christian shrine.

The arena itself was 83 metres by 48 metres (272 ft by 157 ft / 280 by 163 Roman feet). It comprised a wooden floor covered by sand (the Latin word for sand is harena or arena), covering an elaborate underground structure called the hypogeum (literally meaning "underground"). Little now remains of the original arena floor, but the hypogeum is still clearly visible. It consisted of a two-level subterranean network of tunnels and cages beneath the arena where gladiators and animals were held before contests began. Eighty vertical shafts provided instant access to the arena for caged animals and scenery pieces concealed underneath; larger hinged platforms, called hegmata, provided access for elephants and the like. It was restructured on numerous occasions; at least twelve different phases of construction can be seen.
The hypogeum was connected by underground tunnels to a number of points outside the Colosseum. Animals and performers were brought through the tunnel from nearby stables, with the gladiators' barracks at the Ludus Magnus to the east also being connected by tunnels. Separate tunnels were provided for the Emperor and the Vestal Virgins to permit them to enter and exit the Colosseum without needing to pass through the crowds.
Substantial quantities of machinery also existed in the hypogeum. Elevators and pulleys raised and lowered scenery and props, as well as lifting caged animals to the surface for release. There is evidence for the existence of major hydraulic mechanisms and according to ancient accounts, it was possible to flood the arena rapidly, presumably via a connection to a nearby aqueduct.
(source: Rome guide)
pablominto, Buin, leo61, Deepforest, emjleclercq, TeresaT, berek has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To agbonavita: Wonders of the WorldBudapestman 1 11-12 13:21
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi George - the image quality is very good considering the age of the photo, I like how the wide lens was able to capture the entire oval

Hello George,
Excellent point of view and great details!
I notice the age of this image, neatly reproduced and transmitted to digital media...
Well composed presentation, Good natural colours and sharp details!
Greetings,
Pablo -

Hi George, I love this shot! An uncommon view of the Coliseum. Amazing this struture still stand up with more then thousand years. The POV was great and the colors nice too. I don't you if you know but the coliseum as well many other places (including the Rio Jesus Statue) are participating as canditate for the New 7 Wonders of the World. What did you think about?
Have a nice day
Andre

  • Great 
  • maki Gold Star Critiquer [C: 800 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2006-11-09 12:51]

Hi George,
Very good perspective of this famous place, nice ballanced, natural colors. It's hard to show this monumental arena because of it's size. Only wide lenses can do it :)
regards,
maki

  • Great 
  • Buin Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 3390 W: 0 N: 6728] (23510)
  • [2006-11-09 12:52]

Hallo George!
I never have seen this building before from this angle, which gives us a most impressive view. The wonderful light conditions nearly give a 3 D-effect. A great picture with so many details! Thank you for showing this!
Greetings from Germany!
Frank

  • Great 
  • leo61 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3634 W: 335 N: 7225] (30502)
  • [2006-11-09 13:56]

Hi George!
Good wide angle shot of the colosseum.Your good POV gives me the feeling to be there.A verry sharp image with many good details at the architecture.
Regards,Leo

Bonsoir George
Un POV excellent et impressionant dans cette photo. Une belle compo et un bon choix de cadrage
amicalement
Xavier

Hi George,
very interesting photo of this famous ruin... really archival shot. I like the perspective and composition. Very good and sharp details.
Great shot! Best regards,
Andrzej

An excellent point of view of a very famous momunent, very original since most of the pcitures are taken from the outside rather than inside the Coliseum. This gives much more interest from an architectural point of view and provide more information about the structure and dimensions of the construction. Good scan of this old picture.

All the best,

Emmanuel

Hello George,
fantastic view of the coleseum.
Perfect details and I like the facxt that half part is on shadows and the other with sun.
Good natural colours too.
regards
Teresa

Hi George
A famous location and venue, and you have taken the shot from a dramatic perspective and angle which helps to add good impact. The light is quite bright but you have still managed to balance the exposure between highlights and shade. Good pov for depth and perspective and nice framing.
Aubrey

Great panorama of this beautiful place. Very interesting is the split of the picture into bright and dark halfs with the green alley in the middle.
Good compostion
Achim

This is something I have seen in past but you give a new POV to this famous place.
Lucas

  • Great 
  • berek Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3920 W: 173 N: 4949] (22479)
  • [2006-11-10 9:17]

Hi George,
very good point of view. I can see all details about Colosseum. have a nice weekend.
Burak
my overall evaluation -> ****

  • Great 
  • Angshu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4889 W: 168 N: 7509] (24514)
  • [2006-11-11 9:35]

Dear George
The view is excellent, if not novel..but the details you've captured is great. A 12 years old shot, which has the same effect of colour & sharpness..quite wonderful!
Regards
Angshu

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