Why Is the Roman Colosseum a World Wonder?
In 225 BCE, Greek engineer, physicist, and writer Philo of Byzantium compiled the famed original Seven Wonders of the World, a list of marvels, or “things to be seen,” across the ancient world. Since that time, many of these incredible artifacts no longer exist. But in 2007, a Swiss Foundation called the New7Wonders made a new list of seven wonders for the modern world. Included on this list is the Roman Colosseum, an incredible feat of engineering that takes us all the way back to the Roman Empire. 7 wonders of the world colosseum This raises the question: Is The Colosseum A World Wonder? Let’s look through the many reasons why the Roman Colosseum remains one of the most fascinating monuments in the history of human civilization.
Panoramic view of the iconic Roman Colosseum, a modern world wonder
A Large Part of the Roman Colosseum Still Stands Today
Remarkably, a significant portion of the Roman Colosseum still stands today, despite being constructed nearly 2,000 years ago. Throughout time, the city of Rome has undergone dramatic periods of transformation, yet the Colosseum has remained the one constant, unmoving reminder of its past. Parts of the Roman Colosseum were plundered and stripped of materials by looters, and it has also suffered damage as a result of earthquakes. But even so, approximately one-third of the original building survives, enough to give a flavor of how dramatic and theatrical it once was, solidifying its status and prompting many to ask: is the roman colosseum a world wonder.
The Roman Colosseum standing today in the center of Rome with visitors
It Was a Stage for Gladiatorial Fights
The Roman Colosseum served as the epicenter for mass entertainment where many thousands of Romans would gather to watch brutal gladiatorial fights, sports, and a range of other violent, action-packed, and gruesome activities that often ended in bloodshed and death. Romans sometimes even flooded the amphitheater and organized mini naval ship battles inside for a captivated audience. The sheer scale and nature of these events is another powerful argument for is the colosseum a wonder of the world.
3D rendering depicting a gladiatorial fight inside the ancient Roman Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum Is a Marvel of Architectural Innovation
Architecturally, the Roman Colosseum was a true marvel of innovation in its day. It was unique because it was constructed in an oval, rather than a circular, shape, allowing audience members a better view of the action. The Roman Colosseum was also the largest amphitheater of the ancient world, stretching over 6 acres of land.
Historical reconstruction showing the full appearance of the Roman Colosseum
The original Colosseum construction contained over 80 arches and stairways which allowed large numbers of visitors to enter and leave the amphitheater in a matter of minutes. Unsurprisingly, the construction of such a large and complex public monument took a vast amount of manpower. Around 100,000 slaves from the Jewish war took on the hard manual labor, along with teams of professional builders, painters, and decorators who worked for the Roman Emperor. Building began in 73 AD, and the Colosseum was finally completed 6 years later in 79 AD, demonstrating clearly why colosseum is a wonder of the world.
A Status Symbol for Rome
In its day, the Colosseum represented the Roman Empire’s great power and its status as the center of the ancient world. Its impressive stadium structure also symbolized the great engineering ingenuity of the Romans, begun under the leadership of Vespasian, and completed by his son Titus. Following the success of the Colosseum, the Roman Empire went on to build a further 250 amphitheatres across their territory, yet the Colosseum was always the largest and most ambitious, showcasing Rome as the heart of the Roman Empire.
Aerial view showcasing the scale of the Roman Colosseum in Rome
It Is Still the Largest Amphitheatre in the World
Standing at a colossal 620 by 513 feet, the Colosseum holds the title of the largest amphitheater in the world, holding pride of place in the Guinness Book of World Records today. At the peak of its power, the Colosseum had the capacity to hold 50,000 to 80,000 spectators arranged across its four circular tiers. Different tiers were reserved for specific social ranks, so they did not sit or mix together. The Roman Emperor had a royal box with the best view in the lower rungs of the stadium. For everyone else, the lower seats were for wealthier Romans, and the upper seats were for the poorest members of Roman society. This sheer scale and the weight of its history undoubtedly contribute to the Colosseum attracting up to 4 million visitors every year, and its iconic motif is still featured on Italian coins today, illustrating profoundly why is the colosseum considered a wonder of the world.
Panoramic interior view of the Roman Colosseum amphitheater
In conclusion, the Roman Colosseum’s status as a modern world wonder is well-deserved, a testament to its remarkable longevity, its historical role as a site of dramatic spectacles, its pioneering architectural design and sheer scale, and its enduring symbolic significance for the Roman Empire. Its ability to still stand prominently after two millennia, coupled with its record-holding size and continued appeal to millions, cements its place as one of human civilization’s most fascinating achievements. It remains a potent reminder of Rome’s past grandeur and a must-see marvel for visitors today.
