The ancient Roman Colosseum is being restored, and experts say it will not collapse. So, even if we don't exist, we may still visit the Colosseum for years to come.
The Colosseum (or Coliseum) was built in 80 AD by Vespasian as a venue for games and public executions. It has withstood earthquakes, war, and modern development projects, and today it is used for entertainment events, such as circus performances and music concerts.
The Colosseum has been listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and Science. And it's not the only famous ancient structure being restored these days. Other ruins that have been restored include the Arch of Constantine, the Temple of Artemis, and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.
Experts from various fields work on the restoration project together with a budget of about $10 million US dollars. The Colosseum has its own team of archaeologists, architects, artists, engineers, historians, and curators who are responsible for choosing which parts of the building should be restored and updated and which parts could remain as they are.
Restoration works started in 1999 and are expected to last at least another 20 years.
No other landmark in Rome is as recognizable as the Colosseum in a city rich of historic ruins. The Colosseum, on the other hand, still remains tall, even after the Roman Empire has fallen. It has withstood earthquakes, plant overgrowth, thievery, and modern-day pollution to become one of Rome's most popular tourist destinations.
The Colosseum was originally built as a stadium where gladiators would fight each other to the death. In 80 AD it was converted into a theatre where plays could be performed for crowds of people. Over time, the original features of the building were forgotten as more and more modifications were made to make it suitable for various types of exhibitions. By the 19th century, the Colosseum had already become known as a symbol of Rome. In 1884, the then-Pope announced that he would like to see the arena preserved as it was found by archaeologists. The following year, Pope Leo XIII declared that the Colosseum was worthy of being included on the World Heritage List.
Today, visitors can enter the Colosseum for a fee but there are some parts that are open to the public including the arena floor where games used to be played and the underground corridors where the shops were located. There are also many movies and shows that are held in the Colosseum to entertain tourists and pay guests.
Even though the damaged Colosseum is lacking several of its upper level arches and parapets, it remains one of the world's most recognizable sites. When we consider how long ago it was built, its shattered construction is logical. The same foundations and materials utilized 2,000 years ago may still be seen and felt. Even today, visitors to Rome are often stunned by the scale of the ancient buildings, including the Colosseum.
The Colosseum has been restored many times over the years. It has been covered in marble and painted red, white, and blue for Italian national events. Today, it is mostly used as a venue for concerts and sports events.
However, even with these renovations, parts of the original structure remain intact. An example is the false floor in the audience area. This is made up of rows of large stone blocks that were originally packed earth. They can still be seen during some of the show runs.
In addition, an elevator has been installed inside the arena so people with disabilities can get around the stands. But even with these improvements, there is no way to visit the interior when the event is going on because it is off-limits while the sport or concert is taking place.
Overall, the Colosseum has survived numerous attacks by time and nature because it was built to withstand pressure from artillery fire and huge crowds.
Prior to the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Rome's colossal, enduringly famous Colosseum served as a venue for fight, bloodbaths, and general entertainment. Approximately 2,000 years later, the Italian government is repairing the floor of the Colosseum in a $22 million refurbishment. The project will restore the original color scheme (black with gold accents) and improve ventilation systems and security.
The renovation project was announced by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi who said it was part of his plan to "restore confidence in democracy" after his resignation earlier this year following a political scandal. Mr. Renzi has been replaced by Giuseppe Conte, a former judge who has been chosen as Italy's new prime minister-designate. The job-sharing arrangement allows Conte to remain head of the country while his partner, Paola De Iulis, takes on the role of prime minister-elect.
The Colosseum represents one aspect of a broader effort to bring back interest in ancient history at a time when many people are bored with modern life and looking for something more exciting. In addition to the Colosseum project, other current or planned projects include the restoration of ancient theaters in Pompeii and Ephesus, Turkey. There are also plans to build new theaters in both those cities.
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