Description
Antique print dated 1895.
The page is over 115 years old and in good condition.
In order to enhance and protect the page we have set in within a bespoke frame and mount.
Frame size 400mm x 370mm. available also in a
gold frame, your choice. RtW.56.
Entitled – Rome. The Colosseum.
Below the picture an inscription reads:
Rome. – Here is one of the most stupendous structures the world has ever seen, and although but one-third remains, the value of the material for building purposes is computed to be half a million sterling.
The Amphitheatrium Flavium, or Colosseum, was completed by Titus A.D. 80, and the inauguration festival lasted 100 days, during which time some 5,000 wild beasts were killed; the present name is probably derived from the colossal statue of Nero.
The destruction of the Colosseum began in the Middle Ages, and the vast pile came to be regarded as an uncommonly handy quarry.
In the fifteenth century, Paul II. procured here material for the Palazzo di Venezia; and Cardinal Riario also carted hence material for the Cancelleria.
In the sixteenth century, Paul III. built the Palazzo Farnese from stone taken from the much-abused Colosseum; and Clement XI. built the Harbour of the Ripetta, material being brought from the same source.
Benedict XIV., however, protected the huge structure in 1750, by declaring it consecrated on account of the martyrs’ blood shed within its precincts.
Pius VII. and Leo XII. practically saved the Colosseum from collapse by erecting walls and buttresses.
Until 1871 the ruin was covered with luxuriant vegetation, which picturesque adjunct disappeared during excavations.
The Colosseum was constructed of massive blocks of travertine, held together by iron clamps.
The circumference is 576yds.; long diameter, 205yds., and short diameter, 170yds.; height, 170ft.
There were four stories, and seating accommodation for 87,000 persons.
The arena measured 279ft. by 174ft.; beneath it were the dens of the wild beasts; also an immense “property” room.
The tiers of seats are supported on the outside by two rows of arcades, and on the inside partly by a massive substructure.
Every fourth arch contains a staircase.
Of course, the front row was reserved for the Emperor, the Senators, and the Vestal Virgins, the Emperor’s own seat being a raised platform called the Pulvinar.
Equally, of course, the humbler spectators were relegated to the gallery, or topmost tier, where, between the acts, so to speak, they could amuse themselves by watching the exertions of the sailors of the Imperial fleet, who stretched sailcloth over the whole of the amphitheatre in order to exclude the sun.
If you buy an item and then see it relisted this is because we occasionally have more than one available, each page is
original and not a photocopy.
Thank you for looking, please visit our shop.
