Colosseum : Rome's Arena of Death

by Peter Connolly

The Colosseum in Rome is one of the world's most amazing buildings. Built over 10 years during the reign of the Emperor Vespasiano in c. 72AD, at 160 feet high this immense oval stadium was home to the most violent and deadly spectator sports in history, and the making of many 'gladiator' heroes. Using state-of-the-art computer graphics, Colosseum brings the world of Ancient Rome to life and shows how and why this most extraordinary of human monuments was built. New research debunks the myths perpetuated in the film Gladiator and helps us understand the nature of these games - why the chariot races of Gladiator could not have happened within the Colosseum walls, for instance. Here for the first time, new evidence reveals exactly how the Colosseum was regularly flooded with water for the spectacle of deadly sea battles.

Genres: History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 16, 2003

About the author

Peter Connolly was a renowned British scholar of the ancient world, Greek and Roman military equipment historian, re-constructional archaeologist and illustrator. A research Fellow at Oxford in England. He was a regular contributor to such periodicals as the Journal of Roman Military Equipment and Roman Frontier Studies.

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, you want to know about the Colosseum? Well, you came to the right place! Peter Connolly has always been a personal favorite and he really does not disappoint here with this endeavor. While it is not his best work by far, it is still well beyond adequate. He covers every aspect of the Colosseum sufficiently from the earliest designs and construction through the painful degradation and final collapse of the symbol of Rome following the ending of the Empire.

I loved the inclusion of many pictures providing the visual reinforcements needed to flavor the text perfectly. It is ironic that the only star I deduct from this book is based on the pictures. I feel he neglected the current status of the Colosseum and left out pictures of recent times. Much repair work has been done and I would have liked to see some discussion on his thoughts of the work.

A real bonus was the chapters on the games themselves, particularly the gladiators. I think this text is the hidden gem inside and is a great reward for the readers who dive into this book. Truly fascinating material and it highlights one of the most iconic forms of entertainment of the Roman Empire. There is even discussion on the final cessation of the games and the outlawing of gladiators which is not common to find. Good stuff.

This book is not exactly a scientific journal, it is however a very good place for someone to get introduced to the Colosseum and Roman construction. It is suitable for younger readers as well, as the reading is not to overloaded with Latin terms or requires a historical background to understand. Mostly. He does include a nice Glossary of terms to explain the Latin, which is really nice. The "Further Reading" pages also provide some good references, though not up to the usual Connolly standards in other books he has done.

Overall, this is a very solid 4 Star book, and well worth a read if you are into the Roman history and culture. I learned quite a bit, and I am certain to reference it in my research on related topics.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be fair to the BBC, the tv programme is gripping and IDEAL for 13 year old Latin students; and yes, that's in a public-sector school. The book is magnificent for any level, however.

[Andrew Fielding · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting introduction to the world of the gladiators and the community that watched them in action.

[Pete daPixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Colosseum-Rome's Arena of Death' is a BBC book that was published in 2003 to accompany a t.v. documentary series, which I think as usual, I missed. Auntie Beeb's book covers a history of ancient Rome from it's republican rise through to Vespasian, whose vision was responsible for this ediface of death.
Chapter two covers the various stages of the construction of this monster in earth, clay, brick, concrete, tufa and travertine. Perhaps the t.v. viewing was necessary to fully understand this process, as I found the description in the book a little vague. However the book then covers the world of the gladiators, their classes, lives and equipment. The author describes the goings on in the arena as "a bit like a modern football match", I can only think that he is a Millwall fan. As well as the gladiatorial combats, the estimated fifty thousand of Rome's citizens would have been treated to the hunting and slaughter of wild animals, executions of criminals, half time comedy acts, mock land and sea battles and the martyrdom of Christians. Forget Ridley Scott!
The Amphitheatrum Flavium, we thank the Venerable Bede for the term Colosseum, provided these 'games' for nigh on five hundred years. Peter Connolly's book further covers the period of decline over the centuries, with damage from earthquakes and the looting of it's stone work, up to modern day archaeological study.
We can thank this building for the running to extinction of many animal species as well as fornication, which is a word derived from the latin inspired by the ground floor arches, wherein was provided a little more than a pie and a Bovril during the interval.