The Colosseum

The Colosseum was constructed around 70 AD by emperor Vespasian. It was improved by several later emperors and went through periods of destruction and fire. In the Medieval period it was used as a cemetery and also used as housing for some period(!). In the late 16th century Pope Sixtus V planned to use it as a wool factory to provide alternate employment for prostitutes. I'm guessing it's the only world wonder that can make that claim.
The place really is an engineering marvel. It was used for fights and races (think Gladiator and Ben Hur). Chambers were built underneath it for animals and slaves. They could actually flood the place to reenact naval battles. Try that at the Metrodome! The sight lines are clear and it's only 302 feet down the right field line providing for historic drama, especially during opening day of 1946 (not actually true, might refer to Fenway park).
Didn't know this, but in recent times it's become a symbol for anti-capital punishment groups. Since 2000, Roman officials celebrate the commutation of a death sentence by changing the nighttime lighting from white to gold.

Comments

Alfred T. Mahan said…
I wouldn't talk too loudly about the Metrodome not being able to be flooded; you just might give the Metro Sports Commission ideas. They hold all those monster truck events there, after all.

I wonder what the Latin is for "You'll pay for the whole seat, but you'll only need the EDGE"?
3:34 AM
Hans said…
Wool factory for prostitutes? Flooding? Are you sure you weren't talking about the Superdome?
6:13 AM
Hans said…
Cemetery and housing, too. I'm pretty sure you're talking about the Superdome.
7:38 AM
Peder said…
Where the Saints of football play? Did you click through and read the history from Wikipedia? After they stopped using it for games and contests they didn't know what to do with it. Kind of a crazy history.
8:04 PM
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