Editing Colosseum (section)

== Physical description ==

=== Exterior ===
[[File:Colosseum exterior, inner and outer wall AvL.jpg|thumb|left|The exterior of the Colosseum, showing the partially intact outer wall (left) and the mostly intact inner wall (center and right)]]
Unlike [[Roman theatre (structure)|Roman theatres]] that were built into hillsides, the Colosseum is an entirely free-standing structure. It derives its basic exterior and interior architecture from that of two theatres back to back. It is elliptical in plan and is 189 meters (615&nbsp;ft / 640 Roman feet) long, and 156 meters (510&nbsp;ft / 528 Roman feet) wide, with a base area of {{convert|6|acre|m2|order=flip}}. The height of the outer wall is 48 meters (157&nbsp;ft / 165 Roman feet). The perimeter originally measured 545 meters (1,788&nbsp;ft / 1,835 Roman feet). The central arena is an ellipse 87&nbsp;m (287&nbsp;ft) long and 55&nbsp;m (180&nbsp;ft) wide, surrounded by a wall 5&nbsp;m (15&nbsp;ft) high, above which rose tiers of seating.

The outer wall is estimated to have required over {{convert|100000|m3|e6ft3|abbr=off|lk=out}} of [[travertine]] stone which were set without mortar; they were held together by 300 tons of iron clamps.<ref name="claridge"/> However, it has suffered extensive damage over the centuries, with large segments having collapsed following earthquakes. The north side of the perimeter wall is still standing; the distinctive triangular brick wedges at each end are modern additions, having been constructed in the early 19th century to shore up the wall. The remainder of the present-day exterior of the Colosseum is in fact the original interior wall.

[[File:Exterior of the Colosseum 01.JPG|thumb|[[Superposed order]] of the Colosseum]]
The surviving part of the outer wall's monumental façade comprises three [[Superposed order|superposed]] storeys surmounted by a [[podium]] on which stands a tall [[attic]], both of which are pierced by windows interspersed at regular intervals. The arcades are framed by half-columns of the [[Doric order|Doric]], [[Ionic order|Ionic]], and [[Corinthian order|Corinthian]] orders, while the attic is decorated with Corinthian [[pilaster]]s.<ref name="oxford_classical">Ian Archibald Richmond, [[Donald Emrys Strong]], [[Janet DeLaine]]. "Colosseum", ''The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization''. Ed. Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth. Oxford University Press, 1998.</ref> Each of the arches in the second- and third-floor arcades framed statues, probably honoring divinities and other figures from [[Classical mythology]].

Two hundred and forty mast [[corbel]]s were positioned around the top of the attic. They originally supported a retractable [[awning]], known as the ''[[velarium]]'', that kept the sun and rain off spectators. This consisted of a canvas-covered, net-like structure made of ropes, with a hole in the center.<ref name=roth/> It covered two-thirds of the arena, and sloped down towards the center to catch the wind and provide a breeze for the audience. Sailors, specially enlisted from the Roman naval headquarters at [[Misenum]] and housed in the nearby ''Castra Misenatium'', were used to work the ''[[velarium]]''.<ref>{{cite web| last = Downey | first =  Charles T. | date = 9 February 2005 | url = http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2005/02/colosseum-was-skydome.html | title =  The Colosseum Was a Skydome? | access-date =2 August 2006}}</ref>

[[File:Colosseum-Entrance LII.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Entrance LII of the Colosseum, with [[Roman numerals]] still visible]]

The Colosseum's huge crowd capacity made it essential that the venue could be filled or evacuated quickly. Its architects adopted solutions very similar to those used in modern stadia to deal with the same problem. The amphitheatre was ringed by eighty entrances at ground level, 76 of which were used by ordinary spectators.<ref name=roth/> Each entrance and exit was numbered, as was each staircase. The northern main entrance was reserved for the [[Roman Emperor]] and his aides, whilst the other three axial entrances were most likely used by the elite. All four axial entrances were richly decorated with painted [[stucco]] reliefs, of which fragments survive. Many of the original outer entrances have disappeared with the collapse of the perimeter wall, but entrances XXIII (23) to LIIII (54) survive.<ref name="claridge"/>

Spectators were given tickets in the form of numbered pottery shards, which directed them to the appropriate section and row. They accessed their seats via ''[[vomitorium|vomitoria]]'' (singular ''vomitorium''), passageways that opened into a tier of seats from below or behind. These quickly dispersed people into their seats and, upon conclusion of the event or in an emergency evacuation, could permit their exit within only a few minutes. The name ''vomitoria'' derived from the Latin word for a rapid discharge, from which English derives the word vomit.

=== Interior seating ===
[[File:Rome (29096723).jpg|thumb|left|The raked areas that once held seating]]
According to the [[Chronography of 354|Codex-Calendar of 354]], the Colosseum could accommodate 87,000 people, although modern estimates put the figure at around 50,000. They were seated in a tiered arrangement that reflected the rigidly stratified nature of Roman society. Special boxes were provided at the north and south ends respectively for the Emperor and the [[Vestal Virgins]], providing the best views of the arena. Flanking them at the same level was a broad platform or ''podium'' for the [[Roman Senate|senatorial]] class, who were allowed to bring their own chairs. The names of some 5th century senators can still be seen carved into the stonework, presumably reserving areas for their use.
[[File:Colosseum-profile-english.png|thumb|upright=1.2|Diagram of the levels of seating]]
The tier above the senators, known as the ''maenianum primum'', was occupied by the non-senatorial noble class or knights (''[[Equestrian (Roman)|equites]]''). The next level up, the ''maenianum secundum'', was originally reserved for ordinary Roman citizens (''[[Plebs|plebeians]]'') and was divided into two sections. The lower part (the ''immum'') was for wealthy citizens, while the upper part (the ''summum'') was for poor citizens. Specific sectors were provided for other social groups: for instance, boys with their tutors, soldiers on leave, foreign dignitaries, scribes, heralds, priests and so on. Stone (and later marble) seating was provided for the citizens and nobles, who presumably would have brought their own cushions with them. Inscriptions identified the areas reserved for specific groups.

Another level, the ''maenianum secundum in legneis'', was added at the very top of the building during the reign of [[Domitian]]. This comprised a gallery for the common poor, [[Slavery|slaves]] and women. It would have been either standing room only, or would have had very steep wooden benches. Some groups were banned altogether from the Colosseum, notably gravediggers, actors and former gladiators.<ref name="claridge"/>

Each tier was divided into sections (''maeniana'') by curved passages and low walls (''praecinctiones'' or ''baltei''), and were subdivided into ''cunei'', or wedges, by the steps and aisles from the vomitoria. Each row (''gradus'') of seats was numbered, permitting each individual seat to be exactly designated by its gradus, cuneus, and number.<ref>Samuel Ball Platner (as completed and revised by Thomas Ashby), ''[https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/Europe/Italy/Lazio/Roma/Rome/_Texts/PLATOP*/Amphitheatrum_Flavium.html A Topographical Dictionary of Ancient Rome]''. Oxford University Press, 1929.</ref>

=== Arena and hypogeum ===
[[File:0 Colosseum - Rome 111001 (2).JPG|thumb|The Colosseum arena, showing the ''[[hypogeum]]'' now filled with walls. The walls were added early in the Colosseum's existence when it was decided it would no longer be flooded and used for naval battles.]]
The arena itself was 83&nbsp;meters by 48&nbsp;meters (272&nbsp;ft by 157&nbsp;ft / 280 by 163&nbsp;Roman feet).<ref name="claridge"/> 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"). The hypogeum was not part of the original construction but was ordered to be built by Emperor [[Domitian]]. 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.<ref name="claridge"/>

[[File:Panoramic photograph of interior of Colosseum.jpg|thumb|left|A view of the interior of the Colosseum; clearing showing the hypogeum (Greek for "underground")]]
The ''hypogeum'' was connected by 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.<ref name="claridge"/>

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<ref name="claridge"/> and according to ancient accounts, it was possible to flood the arena rapidly, presumably via a connection to a nearby aqueduct. However, the construction of the hypogeum at Domitian's behest put an end to the practise of flooding, and thus also to naval battles, early in the Colosseum's existence. There is however wide debate over the practicality and logistics of this phenomenon which leads to speculation over its actuality. This is mostly because there is no physical evidence of naumachiae at the Colosseum remains.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Ancient Romans Would Flood the Colosseum to re-enact sea battles |date=15 September 2016 |url=https://www.thevintagenews.com/2016/09/15/ancient-romans-flood-colosseum-re-enact-sea-battles/ }}</ref>

=== Supporting buildings ===

The Colosseum and its activities supported a substantial industry in the area. In addition to the amphitheatre itself, many other buildings nearby were linked to the games. Immediately to the east is the remains of the ''[[Ludus Magnus]]'', a training school for gladiators. This was connected to the Colosseum by an underground passage, to allow easy access for the gladiators. The ''Ludus Magnus'' had its own miniature training arena, which was itself a popular attraction for Roman spectators. Other training schools were in the same area, including the ''Ludus Matutinus'' (Morning School), where fighters of animals were trained, plus the Dacian and Gallic Schools.

Also nearby were the ''Armamentarium'', comprising an armory to store weapons; the ''Summum Choragium'', where machinery was stored; the ''Sanitarium'', which had facilities to treat wounded gladiators; and the ''Spoliarium'', where bodies of dead gladiators were stripped of their armor and disposed of.

Around the perimeter of the Colosseum, at a distance of {{convert|18|m|ft|abbr=on}} from the perimeter, was a series of tall stone posts, with five remaining on the eastern side. Various explanations have been advanced for their presence; they may have been a religious boundary, or an outer boundary for ticket checks, or an anchor for the ''[[velarium]]'' or awning.<ref name="claridge"/>