Melissa R. Brooks The Colosseum is an amphitheatre built in Rome with stones, concrete, and tuff and stands four stories tall. It is an architectural marvel of 620 by 513 feet and could hold as many as 50,000 spectators. The Colosseum, famous for its gladiatorial combat, attracts curious visitors from around the globe. The monument fell into serious neglect after the fall of the Western Roman Empire and broke from the top. The state-funded restoration began only after the 1990s. The Colosseum is now also open at night, which is definitely worth visiting once. Though it is only a guided visit, you can also take a tour on your own after following some protocols.
The Colosseum Roman Forum– Also known as Forum Romanum, this ancient Roman wonder is located on low ground between Palatine and Capitoline Hills on the west of the Colosseum. It was the center of day-to-day life in Rome and the heart of the empire. Most of the important structures were built around the Forum, which clearly depicts its importance. Being the site of the original Senate, these amazing ruins are a great tourist attraction.
The Colosseum Roman Forum was the most significant forum in ancient Rome and performed many functions like elections, speeches, gatherings, and trade. The Forum also included some important sites like-
Senate House
Known as Curia, this building served as the council house for the Roman Senate and a site for other political events. It was rebuilt several times, before being converted into a church in the seventh century.
Temple of Saturn
The temple dedicated to Saturn was built in 498 B.C. This building was built several times and its current ruins date back to 42 B.C. It was also used as a treasury, where all the Roman money was managed and kept.
Temple of Castor and Pollux
It was completed in around 484 B.C. and was dedicated to the Roman twin demigods. This complex yet amazing temple underwent several construction phases.
The Sacra Via
It was the main road that ran through the middle of the Forum and connected various important sites. It also stretched to the Colosseum, which was just a few miles away and served as the pathway for ceremonies and processions. It continues to amaze the visitors with its architecture.
The Roman Architecture
The Forum was reconstructed many times during the course of history, which allowed a confluence of different architectural styles. The classical Greek designs greatly influenced the Roman architects and the same can be seen in the Forum. Also, signature styles like basilicas, arches, domes, and amphitheatres are also present in the Forum. The Forum, and the ruins themselves, inspired many with their unique architecture. Great works of Giambattista Piranesi and William Shakespeare also mention this marvel and its uniqueness.
Decline of the forum
The elaborated structures to the north of the Colosseum Roman Forum were the center of many economic and political events. The last major expansion of the Forum was done in 312 A.D. under Constantine when the Basilica of Maxentius was built. When the empire began to fall, most of the Forums became neglected and many sites were destroyed. The land which was once the most thriving land under the Roman empire was reduced to a pasture for grazing animals.
Excavating the Forum
The Forum was “rediscovered” by archeologist Carlo Fea in 1803 and the excavations to the massive site took over 100 years. Although the site was not fully excavated until the twentieth century, the ruins still attracted worldwide attention.
Roman Forum Today
The Forum is currently a popular destination among tourists, where they can get a first-hand look at the ancient ruins and praise the unique architectural style. Excavations are going in and around the Forum to find out more about it and give an answer about the exact age of Rome. This ancient city remains a mystery unsolved but offers an unprecedented insight into Roman civilization.
| Opening Hours | 9 AM- 7:15 PM, throughout the week. |
| Location | Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy |
Tickets Can Buy Colosseum and Roman Forum
-You can buy Colosseum Rome tickets on the same day itself at the premises, but it is advised that you book the tickets online in advance to avoid any last-minute hurdle. There is personnel at the ticket counter to help you regarding the ticket issue, but not with anything else.
You can buy tickets for children as well as be able to afford an English-speaking guide at cheap rates. The great monument can be visited at night as well but only with guides, interested visitors can check more information online. The arena obtains an entirely new quality at night and becomes even more impressive.
