Colosseum of Rome in Italy

Why the Colosseum of Rome is special

The Colosseum of Rome is truly colossal - it stands 50 meters (165 feet) high and measures 185 meters (600 feet) long. It was large enough to hold 50,000 roaring spectators when it was inaugurated in 80 AD. Today, it is one of the most dramatic, historic and recognized archaeological monuments on earth.

The original Colosseum of Rome
The animated picture on the left depicts the wonder in its youth. I drew and superimposed its awning over the Caen model. This illustrates how the Colosseum of Rome appeared when its huge awning was temporarily mounted to shield spectators on raining and hot sunny days.

Today's Colosseum of Rome

The wonder is in a partially ruined state, but it is in remarkable condition when you consider it was built nearly 2000 years ago.

Why the Colosseum was built
The Flavian Roman emperors built the Colosseum of Rome for entertaining their subjects (and to distract their minds from the woes of the time).
Among the most popular "crowd pleasers" were bloody contests pitting gladiators against gladiators and wild beasts. Even naval battles were staged in the Colosseum of Rome (the arena's floor was flooded for those events). Non-martial events were staged, too, including lavish theatrical productions and tamed animal acts.

Popular misconceptions
Hollywood movies reinforced some widespread false impressions about the Colosseum of Rome. Historians doubt that the wholesale martyring of Christians occurred there. And, the image of lions eating the Christians before cheering crowds is likely fantasy.
Films have also bolstered the myth that thumbs down meant to kill the person in the arena. It was just the opposite in Roman times. Thumbs up signaled "kill him" and thumbs down, "spare him."

Correct spelling
Which is correct, "Colosseum," "Coliseum" or "Colloseum"? All are correct (though the first two are more widely used),

My other Colosseum web pages
I have two other informative web pages on the Colosseum of Rome, the "interesting tidbit" page and the "concise history" page. Click the below buttons to view them:
What leading travel books say about the Colosseum of Rome
The Colosseum is easily Rome's most awe-inspiring ancient monument.
Italy
Rough Guides
The Colosseum of Rome is a masterpiece of the architecture of Antiquity.
Italy
Michelin Green Guides

SioSe pol in Esfahan

About Si o Se pol in Esfahan province

(in IRAN)

The Bridge of Allahverdi Khan across the Zayandeh Rud is a continuation of Chahar Bagh, the principal street in Isfahan. Built at the beginning of the 17th century at the order of Shah Abbas, it is named after the general-a famous war- chief- who was put in charge of the work. It is also called the Bridge of 33 Arches, or SioSe Pol.
It is 45 feet wide and 175 yards long but- although it is impressive looking- it does not have the same archaeological or aesthetic interest as the two other bridges farther downstream

This bridge is located in the southern end of Chahar Bagh Avenue in Isfahan and was named after its founder. It is also known as Jolfa bridge

The bridge is made of bricks and stones. It is 295 meters long and 13.75 meters wide. It is said that the bridge originally comprised 40 arches however this number gradually reduced to 33.
According to numerous historical references concerning the buildings constructed during Shah Abbas the Safavid in Isfahan, it is so conceived that the construction work of this bridge was completed concurrent with the construction of Chahar Bagh in 1596. This bridge is called Si-o-Se Pol (in Farsi meaning 33 bridges) because it embraces 33 arches

YES! IRAN IS BEAUTIFUL...