Significance in Christianity Colosseum

the christian martyrs last prayer, jean-léon gérôme (1883)



view of interior of colosseum, c. w. eckersberg (1815)

the colosseum regarded christians site of martyrdom of large numbers of believers during persecution of christians in roman empire, evidenced church history , tradition. on other hand, other scholars believe majority of martyrdoms may have occurred @ other venues within city of rome, rather @ colosseum, citing lack of still-intact physical evidence or historical records. these scholars assert christians executed common criminals in colosseum—their crime being refusal reverence roman gods , christian martyrs of church executed faith @ circus maximus. according irenæus (died 202), ignatius of antioch fed lions in rome around 107 a.d , although irenaeus says nothing happening @ colosseum, tradition ascribes place.

in middle ages, colosseum not regarded monument, , used modern sources label quarry, stones colosseum taken building of other sacred sites. fact used support idea that, @ time when sites associated martyrs highly venerated colosseum not being treated sacred site. not included in itineraries compiled use of pilgrims nor in works such 12th century mirabilia urbis romae ( marvels of city of rome ), claims circus flaminius – not colosseum – site of martyrdoms. part of structure inhabited christian religious order, not known whether particular religious reason.

pope pius v (1566–1572) said have recommended pilgrims gather sand arena of colosseum serve relic, on grounds impregnated blood of martyrs, although of contemporaries did not share conviction. century later fioravante martinelli listed colosseum @ head of list of places sacred martyrs in 1653 book roma ex ethnica sacra. martinelli s book evidently had effect on public opinion; in response cardinal altieri s proposal years later turn colosseum bullring, carlo tomassi published pamphlet in protest against regarded act of desecration. ensuing controversy persuaded pope clement x close colosseum s external arcades , declare sanctuary.

cross dedicated christian martyrs, placed in 2000 pope john paul ii.

at insistence of st. leonard of port maurice, pope benedict xiv (1740–1758) forbade quarrying of colosseum , erected stations of cross around arena, remained until february 1874. benedict joseph labre spent later years of life within walls of colosseum, living on alms, before died in 1783. several 19th century popes funded repair , restoration work on colosseum, , still retains christian connection today. christian cross stands in colosseum, plaque, stating:

the amphitheater, 1 consecrated triumphs, entertainments, , impious worship of pagan gods, dedicated sufferings of martyrs purified impious superstitions.

other christian crosses stand in several points around arena , every friday pope leads via crucis procession amphitheater.