Tony Hartmann – Senior Civil Engineer

For today’s class, we finally conducted the highly anticipated tour of the Roman Colosseum, or the ‘Amphitheatrum Flavium’, as it was originally named. To prepare for the visit, we spent the morning class period learning about the fundamental structural behavior of arches and arcades, as well as conducting a presentation on the colosseum’s history and reviewing a modern structural analysis of the structure.

Upon arriving at the Colosseum, we were greeted by our tour guide who spent the day sharing a passionate wealth of knowledge on the construction, history, function, and justification for creating such an impressive structure for its time. The tour began by leading us through the main concourse of the stadium, carrying with it a feeling of fascinating similarity compared to my recent visit at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Next, we were led out onto a platform that was level with the old ‘field’ inside the colosseum, made to resemble the feeling of standing inside the colosseum as if you were performing for the crowd. From here, we got an excellent look at the rooms and complexities built beneath the main floor of the colosseum where slaves, animals, and other competitors were held prior to competitions.

 

Image of the interior of the colosseum with a great view of the structures underneath the main entertaining floor.

Once we reached the second floor, we started to analyze the materials of the structure more carefully. Our guide pointed out to us that there were several reasons for the colosseum only having one side of the outer wall still standing. One of these reasons was that there was a considerable difference in the materials used in the concrete that was used to build one side versus the other – obviously, the stronger concrete mixture was used on the side that remains standing today.

 

Image of the original outer wall that still stands.

 

Image of the now revealed interior wall, due to the collapse of the outer wall.

After taking continuing the tour around the top of the colosseum, on our way out of the stadium, we were told stories of the different types of entertainment that would take place here. Interestingly, one of these is speculated to be documented naval battles that would be performed for the audience, where they would flood the floor of the stadium and bring boats inside to act out the given battle. However, there is controversy as to when, how, and even if this display could have been pulled off to a significant scale. Once we left the stadium and the tour had ended, we briefly stopped by the barracks in which the top gladiators would live and train for their future fights. Overall, this was a day full of monumental historical value and lessons taught in engineering and structures that I will never forget!

 

Image of the foundation of the ancient gladiator barracks and training grounds.