Roman Colosseum Timeline

Emperor Vespasian

The Emperor Who Brought Rome's Grandeur Back to the People

Vespasian

-Emperor Vespasian, founder of the Flavian Dynasty, started construction of the Colosseum, initially known as the Flavian Amphitheatre around 70-72 CE

-The reconstruction stood as a mark of renewal and return to Roman values after Emperor Nero’s excessive greed and the turbulent year of the Four Emperors

-Emperor Vespasian strategically chose Nero’s luxurious Golden House (Domus Aurea) as a site for his Amphitheatre, creating a public entertainment venue from imperial excess

-Financing the Colosseum’s creation began with the spoils from Rome’s conquest of Jerusalem

Emperor Titus

Titus

Titus completed and inaugurated the Colosseum one year after Vespasian died with elaborate ceremonies to mark its completion and opening.

Titus celebrated their grand opening celebration with spectacular events spanning 100 days - featuring gladiatorial combats and animal hunts which attracted massive crowds of onlookers.

Architectural Refinements: Titus refined the Colosseum design, finishing off its upper levels and increasing spectator capacity and visibility.

Legacy of the Flavian Dynasty: Titus' opening of the Colosseum under his rule cemented their legacy for monumental architecture and public generosity.

Cultural and Social Effect: The opening of the Colosseum marked an historic turning point in Roman entertainment history, setting new standards for public spectacles.

Roman Engineering Excellence: Rome was proud of their engineering prowess; their masterpiece of construction represented both power and sophistication in Rome's world-renowned culture of sophistication and power. This symbolism could not have been better represented than with its completion of the Colosseum as it served to showcase Rome's engineering prowess to world.

Titus Reign: Even during his brief rule from AD 79-81, Titus made an indelible mark on Roman society; an example being its legacy through the Colosseum.

Emperor Domitian

Enhancing the Grandeur of the Colosseum

Domitian

Continued Development: With Titus dead, Emperor Domitian continued the development and improvement of the Colosseum under Vespasian. He saw to it that its full capacity could be realized and enhanced as time progressed.

Architectural Additions: Domitian is widely recognized for completing the structure of the Colosseum and expanding seating capacity while improving overall design for superior spectator experiences.

Hypogeum: Domitian made an important contribution with his installation of an underground complex known as a hypogeum beneath his arena, providing more extravagant spectacles such as animal hunts and gladiatorial combat. This allowed for elaborate shows featuring animal fights or gladiatoric fights between gladiators.

Maintenance and Repair: Domitian ensured the Colosseum received proper care and repairs as an indicator of his power and the preservation of Roman traditions.

Expanding Public Entertainment: Under Domitian, Rome's Colosseum served as an essential entertainment venue, serving to underscore his role as provider of public amusement.

Technological Innovations: Under Domitian, further technological improvements were implemented into the Colosseum's construction, such as refinements to its velarium (awning system) and hypogeum machinery.

Cultural Significance: Under Domitian, improvements made to and continued use of the Colosseum strengthened its standing as both an impressive architectural achievement and part of Roman cultural life.

Emperor Nerva

Upholding Rome’s Tradition of Public Spectacle

Nerva

Following Vespasian and Titus' legacy of caretaking the Colosseum as its symbol of Roman power and architectural achievement. Nerva then assumed this task with great success.

Nerva's reign, though brief (AD 96-98), focused heavily on maintaining stability within his empire and continuing the use of Colosseum for public spectacles.

Under Nerva's rule, the Colosseum became an even greater center for Roman entertainment, hosting traditional gladiatorial contests and animal hunts that solidified its place as part of Roman culture life.

Nerva's administrative approach: He who introduced legal reforms probably saw the Colosseum as an essential means to maintain public order and morale through entertainment.

Nerva did not implement significant architectural alterations to the Colosseum like his predecessors had done, preferring instead to focus on governance and welfare for his empire.

Nerva's Support of Public Entertainments: Recognizing their Role in Apeasing the Citizenry and Preserving Roman Tradition, Nerva acknowledged their value to pleasing citizens while upholding Roman traditions.

Nerva's Reign Was Profound: Although his reign spanned only 10 months, Nerva made an immense mark during that brief time frame by marking an interim between Flavian and Trajanic rule with Rome continuing its central role as its symbolism was maintained through its Colosseum.

Emperor Trajan

Elevating the Colosseum's Spectacle to New Heights

Trajan

Emperor Trajan of AD 98 to 117 is well known for the extravagant Colosseum Games held during his rule (AD 98 to 117) to mark his victories over Dacia in war. These spectacular events marked Trajan as one of its greatest hosts ever and commemorated their victories through lavish tournaments commemorating Dacian victories over Rome.

Trajan's 123-Day Celebration: Trajan hosted his celebrations at the Colosseum over an impressive period of 123 days, hosting 10,000 gladiators and 11,000 animals to showcase Roman might and demonstrate his generosity as Emperor.

Enhancing Public Enjoyment: Under Trajan's rule, Rome's Colosseum served as an entertainment venue of immense grandeur that highlighted his successful military campaigns. This focus ensured maximum public enjoyment from this public venue.

Architectural Maintenance and Safety: Trajan was known for taking great pains to maintain the Colosseum as it served both as an icon for Rome as well as being used for various public gatherings. He acknowledged the Colosseum's significance by overseeing its upkeep.

Integration of Military Triumphs: Trajan used the Colosseum to integrate his military triumphs visually and culturally into Roman society, reinforcing both Rome's strength as an empire as well as his own leadership.

Impact on Roman Society: Trajan's grand games had a lasting effect on Roman society, reinforcing both social hierarchy and his position as provider of public entertainment.

Emperor Hadrian

Preserving and Enhancing the Grandeur of the Colosseum

Hadrian

Hadrian and the Colosseum's History: From AD 117-138, Emperor Hadrian played an indispensable part in maintaining and upkeep of Rome's Colosseum.

Architectural Interest and Restoration: Hadrian was well known for his architectural passion, particularly after damages caused by a major fire in AD 80 and earthquake damage. To do this, his attention focused on rebuilding and renovating the Colosseum which had sustained severe damages as a result of these events.

Hadrian Maintains Public Games: Under Hadrian, the Colosseum continued its tradition of hosting public spectacles like gladiatorial contests and animal hunts to boost morale among Roman citizens and preserve Roman tradition.

Hadrian made significant improvements to ensure safety and integrity within the Colosseum, prolonging its status as an entertainment venue for generations of Romans to enjoy.

Integrating Cultural Elements: Hadrian may have drawn inspiration from various parts of his travels when designing games and spectacles at the Colosseum. He may have taken into consideration diverse influences as part of this plan.

Philosophical Approach to Games: While continuing the tradition of public games, Hadrian may have taken an approach which combined philosophical thought with humanity into consideration when planning spectacles during his rule. This might have affected their nature and presentation during this era.

Hadrian's Legacy in Roman Culture: His careful oversight of Rome's iconic Colosseum helped it maintain its status as an iconic architectural and cultural landmark of Roman history and culture.

Emperor Antoninus

Upholding the Colosseum’s Legacy in a Time of Peace

Antoninus

Stewardship of the Colosseum: Emperor Antoninus Pius' reign spanned AD 138 to 161 and during this time he maintained Rome's iconic entertainment venue by protecting and safeguarding it as part of his legacy.

Antoninus Pius' reign was marked by relative peace and prosperity, evidenced in its use as an arena for public spectacles at regular intervals.

Routine Maintenance and Usage: Under his rule, the Colosseum saw routine maintenance to keep its functionality as intended for traditional events like gladiatorial contests or animal hunts.

Public Engagement and Games: Antoninus Pius recognized the Colosseum's importance in engaging the Roman populace and building public morale through entertainment.

Antoninus Pius' management of the Colosseum may reflect these qualities of his rule - emphasizing preservation rather than grandiose changes or renovations.

Cultural Significance Remains the Same: Under Antoninus Pius' leadership, Rome's Colosseum continued to serve as an architectural and cultural icon that promoted and reinforced Roman values and beliefs. Under Antoninus Pius' watch, special events that reinforced Roman ideals took place inside its walls - events which showcased Antoninus Pius himself delivering speeches at its events!

Antonine Era Legacy: Antoninus Pius' tenure shaped the Colosseum into an iconic structure and symbolized Roman culture and entertainment for future generations.

Emperor Marcus Aurelius

A Stoic Emperor’s Balancing Act with the Colosseum

Marcus

Aurelius

Philosophical Emperor: Marcus Aurelius ruled from AD 161-181 and is famous for his Stoic philosophy which informed his approach to Colosseum spectacles.

Reusing the Colosseum: Marcus Aurelius maintained tradition by holding games at his Colosseum despite his philosophical leanings, recognising their importance in Roman culture and public life.

Balancing Philosophy and Tradition: Though personally disdainful of gladiatorial combat, he allowed these games to continue, striking an appropriate balance between personal beliefs and Roman society's expectations.

Modified Gladiatorial Games: Under his rule, efforts were undertaken to make gladiatorial contests less lethal through the introduction of wooden swords for select events; reflecting his more humane approach.

Cultural and Social Significance: Under Marcus Aurelius' rule, the Colosseum served to enforce social norms while fulfilling an Emperor's role of providing entertainment for public consumption.

Maintenance and Preservation: Marcus Aurelius took great pains in upholding its status as an iconic architectural and cultural symbol in Rome by maintaining and protecting it as part of his maintenance duties.

Marcus Aurelius presided over an age in Rome marked by increased challenges for its Empire; yet its heart, the Colosseum remained at its centre as Roman life evolved around it.

Emperor Commodus

The Emperor Who Turned the Colosseum into His Personal Arena

Commodus

Commodus' Extraordinary Engagement: Commodus was an Emperor from AD 180-192, known for participating directly in Colosseum games despite traditional imperial conduct. His involvement drew widespread ire for this departure from imperial conduct and created headlines throughout Rome at that time.

Commodus the Gladiator Emperor: Commodus' predecessors may have disapproved, as his involvement as an active gladiator lurched him towards being perceived more as entertainer rather than ruler, which caused a stir among Roman elite and populace alike.

Commodus used the Colosseum to project himself as a Herculean figure and demigod, staging fights that were fixed so as to bring glory upon himself and ensure victory and glorify his image.

Impact on the Colosseum Legacy: His actions within the Colosseum contributed to a change in perception - it went from being seen as an icon of imperial generosity and Roman might to become an arena where vanity and eccentricities took center stage.

Architectural and Operational Changes: Under Commodus' command, the Colosseum experienced modifications in use and possibly operation that accommodated his particular form of entertainment and spectacles.

End of Commodian Games: With Commodus' death in AD 192 came an end to his contentious Colosseum games which many Romans considered an assault upon traditional Roman values. This resulted in much relief across Rome who saw Commodus' actions as diminishing traditional Roman values.

Commodus' Reign Leaves an Impact on Roman Society: Commodus' reign and use of the Colosseum had an indelible mark on Roman society, upending traditional norms while leaving behind an immense legacy.

Emperor Pertinax

Steering the Colosseum Back to Roman Tradition

Pertinax

Short Reign, Lasting Impression: Emperor Pertinax's brief reign from AD 192-193 left an lasting impactful legacy: efforts he led towards reinstating discipline and stability impacted Colosseum operations significantly.

Reviving Tradition: Pertinax made an effort to return Rome to traditional values after Commodus' exorbitant reign, likely having an influence over how games were managed and organized at the Colosseum.

Financial Challenges: Pertinax was plagued with financial issues during his short rule over Rome and this may have limited the size and frequency of games held within its walls during that short timeframe.

Public Engagement: Even during his short rule, Pertinax used the Colosseum as an arena to engage the public and demonstrate his return to earlier Roman virtues and governance practices.

Pertinax's Assassination and Its Aftermath: Following Pertinax's assassination after only 86 days as ruler, Rome experienced its most volatile year ever: "The Year of Five Emperors". Public spectacles in public arenas like Colosseum were interrupted due to political unrest caused by this year of change.

Pertinax's Legacy in Roman History: His short-lived reforms and approach to the Colosseum reflect his attempt at returning Rome back to its traditional roots; their impact can still be felt today, though brief. They left an indelible mark in its long history.

Emperor Didius Julianus

A Fleeting Presence in the Shadow of the Colosseum

Didius

Julianus

Short Reign of Didius Julianus in AD 193 for approximately nine weeks: An often-overlooked Emperor Didius Julianus stands out in the history of Rome's Colosseum as being often forgotten or disregarded.

Julianus took power during the Year of Five Emperors, an eventful period marked by substantial political upheaval that directly affected how and who used the Colosseum. This turmoil severely hindered its operation and use.

Impact on Public Games: Given his brief reign and political turmoil, Julianus likely left no major imprint upon the Colosseum or its games; no significant modifications or events can be documented during his brief term in office.

Maintaining Tradition: Even during its brief existence, the Colosseum probably maintained its regular schedule of games and spectacles to preserve normalcy and tradition amid political upheaval.

Role of the Colosseum in Legitimacy: For Julianus and other emperors alike, legitimizing their rule could use of the Colosseum was one way they could legitimize it during short reigns like Julian's own.

Julianus Made No Architectural Contributions: As was often the case during short reigns of Roman emperors, Julianus didn't contribute anything tangible or artistic to the Colosseum during his short rule, likely because it wasn't necessary due to time restrictions on him.

Historical Footnote: Didius Julianus' brief involvement with the Colosseum is indicative of his less-than-prominent place in Roman history; overshadowed by more celebrated individuals before and after him.

Emperor Septimus Severus

Restoring and Reinvigorating the Colosseum

Septimius

Severus

Restoration and Expansion: Emperor Septimius Severus of AD 193-211 undertook extensive reconstruction and expansion work at the Colosseum after damage suffered during an unspecified fire event of AD 191. He did this largely to rectify damage sustained from this fire incident.

Rebuilding Activities: Severus' rebuilding efforts included repairs on damaged structures as well as potential enhancement of arena facilities so as to accommodate for an array of spectacles and performances.

Under his reign, the Colosseum continued its long tradition as an arena for public entertainment such as gladiatorial contests and animal hunts - reflecting their continuing significance within Roman culture.

Architectural Changes: In 18 BCE, Severus made significant architectural adjustments to the Colosseum. These included changes to its hypogeum that enabled for more elaborate and varied games within it.

Emphasis on Imperial Image: Severus used the Colosseum as an amphitheater to strengthen his image as both powerful and generous emperor, continuing the long tradition of using amphitheaters as platforms from which to project imperial might.

Impact on Roman Society: Under Severus' reign, games depicted not just entertainment but also the social and political climate at that time, with the Colosseum serving as the central stage.

Legacy of the Severan Dynasty: Severus' contributions to Rome through patronage of cultural institutions like the Colosseum play an integral part in understanding their legacy as rulers combining military strength with cultural patronage.

Emperor Caracalla

Caracalla

Continued Use and Restorations: Emperor Caracalla, ruling between AD 211 to 218, perpetuated the Colosseum tradition by holding games there regularly while also conducting renovations and repairs on its structure.

Caracalla Placed Emphasis on Spectacle: Under Caracalla's reign, spectacles in the Colosseum continued to serve both to showcase imperial power and entertain Roman citizens. These grand events would both showcase imperial authority while providing public entertainment.

Architectural Innovations: Caracalla was widely known for his contributions to improving the infrastructure of the Colosseum, possibly increasing spectator facilities and the arena's functionality.

Public Image and Games: As one way of solidifying his public standing and reinforcing his power over Rome's citizens, Caracalla used Colosseum games as an avenue to demonstrate his dominance over them and engage them.

Sociopolitical Role of the Colosseum: Under Caracalla's rule, the Colosseum continued its role of reinforcing social hierarchies while further cementing Emperor Caracalla's position as provider of public amusement.

Caracalla left an indelible mark on Roman history via his contributions to the Colosseum: his contributions symbolized its ongoing evolution as it met evolving demands of Roman society and adapt to changing demands from within its walls.

Enduring Significance: Caracalla's care in maintaining and using the Colosseum contributed significantly to its ongoing significance as an icon of Roman culture and architectural excellence.

More Colosseum Info

Future

Subsequent Imperial Patronage: Following Emperor Caracalla, successive emperors continued to utilize the Colosseum as an essential venue for public entertainment events such as gladiatorial contests and animal hunts.

The Severan Dynasty: Emperors from the Severan dynasty, such as Alexander Severus, upheld tradition of hosting games at Rome's Colosseum as an opportunity to demonstrate legitimacy and create social harmony among their populace.

Changes and Repairs: Throughout its three century lifespan, the Colosseum underwent various phases of reconstruction following damage from fires, earthquakes or neglect. This involved repairs such as painting the ceiling tiles white to restore them back into place or installing replacement ones altogether.

Reduction in Gladiatorial Games: As Roman Empire expanded during its late 3rd and 4th century years, gladiatorial games gradually declined due to economic pressures and changing social attitudes.

Christianity's Impact: With Constantine and his successors' adoption of Christianity as their state religion, spectacles in the Colosseum began to gradually shift away from gladiatorial combats towards religious-themed shows instead.

Entertainment Change: Between 400-500 AD, entertainment took on new dimensions as animal hunting (venationes) and public events emphasizing religious or cultural themes became less lethal forms.

End of an Era: It is believed that the final recorded games at the Colosseum took place during early 6th century, signalling its demise as an iconic structure.