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How did the design of the Colosseum give form to its public function and to its symbolic meaning?
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How did the design of the Colosseum give form to its public function and to its symbolic meaning? The design of the Colosseum speaks to us on a number of levels. Functionally, it operated as the greatest public entertainment venue of the Roman Empire. Socially, it served as a place of punitive control, whilst politically it was a permanent reminder of the benevolence of the Emperor and the power of the Roman Empire. The Colosseum was built according to a set of architectural conventions developed through the construction of other amphitheatres, such as the Theatre of Pompey (Connolly, 2003)1. However, the invention of materials such as concrete, and the use of vaults and arches, enabled the architects to build a huge structure that satisfied complex functional demands. For instance, it provided for the speedy access and egress of up to 50,000 spectators. Its oval shape allowed for an uninterrupted view of events,...
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