Exterior Colosseum

original façade of colosseum

unlike earlier greek theatres built hillsides, colosseum entirely free-standing structure. derives basic exterior , interior architecture of 2 roman theatres back. elliptical in plan , 189 meters (615 ft / 640 roman feet) long, , 156 meters (510 ft / 528 roman feet) wide, base area of 24,000 square metres (6 acres). height of outer wall 48 meters (157 ft / 165 roman feet). perimeter measured 545 meters (1,788 ft / 1,835 roman feet). central arena oval 87 m (287 ft) long , 55 m (180 ft) wide, surrounded wall 5 m (15 ft) high, above rose tiers of seating.

the outer wall estimated have required on 100,000 cubic metres (3,531,467 cubic feet) of travertine stone set without mortar; held 300 tons of iron clamps. however, has suffered extensive damage on centuries, large segments having collapsed following earthquakes. north side of perimeter wall still standing; distinctive triangular brick wedges @ each end modern additions, having been constructed in 19th century shore wall. remainder of present-day exterior of colosseum in fact original interior wall.

the exterior of colosseum, showing partially intact outer wall (left) , intact inner wall (center , right)

the surviving part of outer wall s monumental façade comprises 3 stories of superimposed arcades surmounted podium on stands tall attic, both of pierced windows interspersed @ regular intervals. arcades framed half-columns of doric, ionic, , corinthian orders, while attic decorated corinthian pilasters. each of arches in second- , third-floor arcades framed statues, honoring divinities , other figures classical mythology.

two hundred , forty mast corbels positioned around top of attic. supported retractable awning, known velarium, kept sun , rain off spectators. consisted of canvas-covered, net-like structure made of ropes, hole in center. covered two-thirds of arena, , sloped down towards center catch wind , provide breeze audience. sailors, specially enlisted roman naval headquarters @ misenum , housed in nearby castra misenatium, used work velarium.

entrance lii of colosseum, roman numerals still visible

the colosseum s huge crowd capacity made essential venue filled or evacuated quickly. architects adopted solutions similar used in modern stadiums deal same problem. amphitheatre ringed eighty entrances @ ground level, 76 of used ordinary spectators. each entrance , exit numbered, each staircase. northern main entrance reserved roman emperor , aides, whilst other 3 axial entrances used elite. 4 axial entrances richly decorated painted stucco reliefs, of fragments survive. many of original outer entrances have disappeared collapse of perimeter wall, entrances xxiii (23) liv (54) survive.

spectators given tickets in form of numbered pottery shards, directed them appropriate section , row. accessed seats via vomitoria (singular vomitorium), passageways opened tier of seats below or behind. these dispersed people seats and, upon conclusion of event or in emergency evacuation, permit exit within few minutes. name vomitoria derived latin word rapid discharge, english derives word vomit.