How did the Flavian amphitheater (Colosseum) and the events that took place in it engage Roman values? The games of the amphitheatre had deep roots in Rome, and often appear as a particularly Roman activity. Using the Flavian amphitheatre (Colosseum) as a case study, discuss how – from the point of view of the audience – the monument and the games work as a display of participation in Roman values and traditions. Aspects to consider while reading: social accessibility and seating arrangements; technological accomplishments; the types of games displayed and ability to influence/comment on these; historical and/or geographical associations; professional and/or moral qualities displayed. Introduction – use the introduction to: • Introduce the work (medium, form, date, material, content) and introduce the context: is your topic exceptional, empire-wide, traditional, etc? Why is this object / this question important? • State how you propose to analyze the material / discuss the themes. That is, clarify the format and sequence of the discussion to follow Discussion • Consider organizing your discussion thematically. It will create a clear structure and show off your overview of the material; it will allow you draw conclusions/ make observations on individual aspects in turn and avoid repetitions. • Give specific examples of monuments/artworks which support your argument (in addition to the main case study the paper focuses on) and discuss in detail how they support it. Conclusion – use the conclusion to: • Summarize / make observations on the overarching points made in your paper. Do not simply repeat the points made in the discussion, but consider what your paper as a whole has shown about the topic and what the strengths/weaknesses of the argument were. Köhne, E. and Ewigleben, C. (2000) (eds) Gladiators and Caesars: the Power of Spectacle in Ancient Rome. Berkeley, University of California Press. [ Potter, D. (1994) Review of: Emperors and gladiators by T.E.J. Wiedemann. Journal of Roman Studies 84: 229-31. [JSTOR] Welch, K. (2007) The Roman Amphitheatre. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. Zanker, P. (2010) By the Emperor, for the people. In B.C. Ewald and C.F. Noreña (eds), The Emperor and Rome: 45-87. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. Opening paragraph I wrote: The Flavian Amphitheater, more commonly known as the Colosseum, is an extremely important monument; a powerful symbol of ancient Rome’s grandeur and historical significance. Construction of the amphitheater began under the emperor Vespasian during the Flavian dynasty in 72 AD and was completed by his son Titus in 80 AD. It not only served as a venue for various spectacles and games but also displayed the values of Rome and its people. The materials used to build the Colosseum include concrete, travertine, marble, stone, and timber, with the most abundant materials being brick-faced concrete and travertine. The monument measures 189 meters in length, 156 meters in width, and is 50 meters tall. The venue has four levels, each adorned with a series of arches and columns. In its time, the Colosseum was capable of seating approximately 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. The amphitheater was designed mainly for public events such as gladiator contests, animal hunts, and executions. The Colosseum is important because it served as a multifunctional entertainment venue for the people of ancient Rome, rich and poor. It shows the strength of the Roman Empire as well as its internal values and customs. The Flavian Amphitheater and the events within it served as a significant manifestation of Roman values, showcasing social hierarchies, military glory and conquest, and technological advancements. The colosseum worked to display and enforce social hierarchies and controls that were commonplace throughout the Roman empire.
