The Colosseum: A History

by Robert B. Abrams

More than 1,500 years have passed since the last blood - human or animal - was spilled in the Colosseum, but the massive building erected by the Flavian emperors has continued to play a role in history. This book tells the dramatic story of the Colosseum - from its bloody gladiatorial games and the sacrifice of early Christians to the dismantling of the arena and its final restoration. The book also recounts the story of Rome as viewed from the vantage point of the empire's most impressive ruins.

Genres: History, Roman History

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2017

Reviews

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not entirely about the coliseum, at the end focuses on a variety of structures hilt by various Roman leaders. Pictures included for that section.

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although there are some interesting parts, this book is disappointing. After a very good start, the narrative veers away from the colosseum into a history of entertainment in the Roman world. This would not have been bad except that the author never really commits to this theme either. He does come back to the colosseum as the Christian era dawns and competently covers the structure through the middle ages. However this ignores any discussion of the building itself for about a millennium. Additionally, the author uses a number of older historical sources talent them at face value when modern scholarship trends to consider therm to be prejudiced and inaccurate. This trends to perpetuate a number of popular myths and legends that are most likely untrue. Finally, the book ends with a number of short histories of other buildings. While interesting, they are unrelated to admitting else the book covers and have the shame accuracy problems the main text does.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a historian and knew little about the Colosseum.

The Colosseum: A History is excellent and I learned a great deal. Admittedly, keeping track of the many emperors and popes over the past 2,000 years is not an easy task. However, the author writes in a fluent, easily understandable manner. Further, the book is not just about the Colosseum but is a brief history of Rome and its empire.

The author finishes his work with the pictures and the description of many other famous Roman landmarks. I was amazed to read that there is a pyramid in Rome and I intend to visit it.

The Colosseum: A History is an entertaining and informative one session read.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a history of the Colosseum of Rome from the time of its building by the Flavian emperors in the first century AD to the present day. The story is very interesting as its history reflects the history of Rome. As a bonus, there are also some short histories of other Imperial buildings in Rome.

[Martha Twiggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great host

Pleasant read about fantastic history of Rome and the activities in the Colosseum. Great perspective Sccc on the players and the leadership in the empire. Prefect in whetting your interest in a trip to Italy.

[Brice Fuqua · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, brief history of the Roman Colosseum. The best part is the survey of changing attitudes toward the amphitheater over the centuries. There are nice illustrations as well.

[Fred Eisenhut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good overview of the colosseum. I liked the pictures at the end of the material showing the other buildings in the Forum.

[Jack McCabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read

I enjoyed this book and the story of the roman emporers. History is my favourite subject! I can recommend this book!

[Bill S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

At barely 160 pages there is not a lot of depth to this book but it is entertaining with plenty of pictures of the Colosseum and other ancient Roman ruins.

[Barbara Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short read. Interesting timeline of the Colosseum--not hugely indepth, but satisfying for a brief history.