Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Colosseum and Aqeducts
I'm still astonished by the size and overall organization of the Roman Colosseum and the Aqueducts. When I went to Rome, I was amazed to stand inside--I could almost imagine the battles between gladiators and wild animals. The Romans constructed this grand building with brick, rocks, dust, lime, and water, and incorporated elements of Greek culture such as the three columns. Additionally, Trajan's system of Aqueducts carried water from mountains to towns several miles away. These sources of water were innovative and greatly altered the early stages of irrigation and water channeling.
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I did a little more research as to how the Colosseum became ruins... Apparently the outer south side collapsed because of an earthquake around 1349. Some of this fallen stone was unfortunately stolen, while much of the rest was used to construct other buildings in Rome. The marble was even possibly used to build St. Peter's Basilica. Later on, the interior wall was also stripped of stone, which was burned to make quicklime. Other permanent marks were made when the bronze clamps that held the stone together were forcibly removed by robbers.
I agree. When I visited these ancient ruins I was blown away. When we study Islamic architecture we will see the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. This building, to me, just as exciting. The extreme detail in every aspect to its planning is profound. It is humbling to stand inside these ancient places and feel connected to these great people from so long ago.
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