According to Colin Cunningham in Unit 6, the form and function of a building "are inextricably linked" (Block 2, pg 50). Consider three ways in which this was so for the Colosseum. The Colosseum in Rome was built in around 80CE
Part I short answer
Question
According to Colin Cunningham in Unit 6, the form and function of a building "are inextricably linked" (Block 2, pg 50). Consider three ways in which this was so for the Colosseum.
The Colosseum in Rome was built in around 80CE. It was used to house spectacular performances such as gladiator fights. It also signified the power and prestige of the emperor. As such, the form and design of the building had to help fulfil the purpose of the Colosseum.
As the Colosseuem was built to house games that people came to watch, visibility was an important consideration. There were no pillars blocking the view of the spectators so everyone would be able to see the action. There were five levels of tiered seating to accommodate the different hierarchy in the Roman society. Thus the dignitaries seated near the centre have a better view of the spectacle whereas the women and the slaves seated right at the top were further away. In addition, the emperor's box was visible to all the spectators.
With a capacity of 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum must provide easy accessibility. There were a total of 76 numbered entrances leading inside. Each entrance led to a different level and seat. This provided easy and safe access. In addition, this allowed the people of different social standing to use a different entrance. The entrances leading to the upper levels where we find the commoners' seats were simple and undecorated. However, the entrance used by the emperor and his entourage was elaborately decorated with marble panelling. This elaborate system provided safety to the emperor and the people of a higher social order in case of riots and disorder.
As important as the spectators were the participants of the games. As there were many people and animals involved, there had to be good infrastructure to house the performers be. There was a network of cells and corridors below the arena that held prisoners and animals. There was also an elaborate system of which led the prisoners and animals to the arena for the game.
Thus, the function of the Colosseum played an important part in the form and structure.
No. of words : 328
Part II essay
Question:
Why is it that ...
This is a preview of the whole essay
As important as the spectators were the participants of the games. As there were many people and animals involved, there had to be good infrastructure to house the performers be. There was a network of cells and corridors below the arena that held prisoners and animals. There was also an elaborate system of which led the prisoners and animals to the arena for the game.
Thus, the function of the Colosseum played an important part in the form and structure.
No. of words : 328
Part II essay
Question:
Why is it that the Romans, as Thomas Wiedemann says, "did not see what went on in the amphitheatre as something wicked" (Resource Book I, C11, p.101)?
In ancient Rome, the games that were held in the amphitheatre were an important part of their culture. These games included gladiator fights, animal shows and events in which condemned prisoners were put to death. We may think that these games that were held in the arena are cruel but as Thomas Wiedemann says, the Roman did not see what went on in the amphitheatre as something wicked. (Resource Book I, C11, p.101)
The Romans viewed gladiatorial facilities as gifts from their emperor. Martial compared the Colosseum to the other ancient wonders and how it would achieve great fame. He praised the emperor for building a place for the people. (Resource Book I, C1, pp 91-92) This showed that gladiatorial facilities and games were considered as something good. When the amphitheatre was built, highly exaggerated praises were sung to the emperor. Martial even describes that the God and Goddess Mar and Venus serves the emperor.
The Romans also considered the gladiator shows as good offerings to the people. Pliny expressed his approval of the gladiator shows that a man held as a funeral tribute to his wife. He praised the man's generosity in giving a lavish show. (Resource Book, C4, pp95-96) When the beasts did not arrive in time because of bad weather, he did not blame the man. The sentiment was that there was missed pleasure. Apuleius also reflected this type of sentiment. When a man prepared for a show, the bears that were brought in died from a sudden epidemic. He described it as a missed public pleasure that did not escape the eyes of envy. (Resource Book, C3, p95) This reaction showed that the games were a pleasure to people and was fully justified. He found that it was a pity that the bears died of the epidemic rather than fighting to death in the arena. To the Romans, holding gladiatorial shows were something to be proud of. The emperor Augustus felt proud when he held gladiatorial shows for the people. He boasted of the numerous shows that he held for himself and on behalf of his son or grandsons. (Resource Book I, C11, p102)
Some of these shows involved wild beasts. The Romans felt that these shows helped to eradicate the population of wild beasts (Resource Book I, C11, p104). By bringing in wild beasts which would have harmed the people, the emperor should be proud of it. Some emperors even go to the extent of killing these animals in person to show that this was a service to the people. Thus, it was deemed as a good thing as this was done to protect mankind.
In the arena, condemned criminals were put into the arena. Those who committed crime must be punished. The punishment meted out was considered appropriate ((Resource Book I, C11, pp104-05). The punishment had to be held in a public place, so that everyone could see that law and order was be kept in place. As the punishment was carried out in front of the people, this assured the people that the criminals were being punished for their crimes.
However, once in the arena, criminals were given a chance to get their life back. Those who fought bravely and survived may be granted their lives back. The people in the arena were given the power to give the life back to a condemned prisoner. Even if the emperor did not grant the freedom, the people could make the decision to free a man. This display of democracy gave the Roman people a sense of satisfaction.
However, not everyone in the games was a condemned prisoner. Some of these men were professional gladiators. These men could have attracted a huge number of women who may have been obsessed with them. These women followed the gladiators almost like a teenager following a rock band.
The action inside the arena could have given the people excitement. At times, even those who may not have approved of the shows may be converted into enjoying the show. This was reflected by St Augustine. He described a man who first detested the shows but somehow was drawn into the show by the blood and gore. The feelings of excitement overpowered him as he watched. This was probably the feelings that many Romans had when they watched these shows. Even if they found it wicked initially, they may be influenced by the mob tendency (Resource Book I, C10, pp100-101). Thomas Wiedemann added that 'these shows tended to engage the emotions of the onlookers to an extent that made them temporarily incapable of rational thought' and likened it to that of watching strip-tease shows. Somehow, the viewers will be hooked.
However, there were still some Romans who did not approve of these shows. One of them, Cicero, wrote that there was no pleasure in these shows. (Resource Book I, C7, p97). Another person, Seneca, expressed his concern of the sheer butchery on a midday show. (Resource Book, C9, p99)
Thus, the gladiatorial games and the wild-beasts shows were part of the Roman culture. The need to have a proper system of punishing crimes and the need to eradicate wild animals provided the basis for these spectacular games. The Roman people believed that these were done to benefit them. Furthermore, the mob tendency and feelings generated at these games attracted the people to the shows. Thus, they did not find that the shows were wicked.
No of words : 904
Reference
. Block 2 The Colosseum, The Open University (1997)
2. Resource Book 1, The Open University (1997)
