The Colosseum is without doubt the most impressive structure in Rome. The sheer size of the building, as well as the knowledge of what took place within these walls, was at the same time, awe-inspiring and sobering. Many early Christians were sacrificed upon the altar of Roman thirst for sport and blood.
Construction began in 70-72AD under Vespasian, and was completed in 80AD under Titus. During the inaugural games of the amphitheatre,some 9,000 animals were killed. But the colosseum was chiefly built for gladiatorial matches. Gladiators were trained to kill and die well. A Roman at the age of 20 knew he would probably die before he reached 30. He wanted to meet death with honor and dignity. He could observe how gladiators did it in the arena. Members of a militaristic culture, Romans valued the art of killing in a way we simply don't understand. But it does give us some insight as to why these games were so immensely popular throughout the Roman empire.
This is one of those pictures I would never in a million years have desired or thought to become a reality! I never dreamed we would ever visit Rome!
The Colosseum is without doubt the most impressive structure in Rome. The sheer size of the building, as well as the knowledge of what took place within these walls, was at the same time, awe-inspiring and sobering. Many early Christians were sacrificed upon the altar of Roman thirst for sport and blood. 
Construction began in 70-72AD under Vespasian, and was completed in 80AD under Titus. During the inaugural games of the amphitheatre,some 9,000 animals were killed. But the colosseum was chiefly built for gladiatorial matches. Gladiators were trained to kill and die well. A Roman at the age of 20 knew he would probably die before he reached 30. He wanted to meet death with honor and dignity. He could observe how gladiators did it in the arena. Members of a militaristic culture, Romans valued the art of killing in a way we simply don't understand. But it does give us some insight as to why these games were so immensely popular throughout the Roman empire. 
This is one of those pictures I would never in a million years have desired or thought to become a reality! I never dreamed we would ever visit Rome!
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