The article in Smithsonian reads, "Italy Will Rebuild the Colosseum’s Floor, Restoring Arena to Its Gladiator-Era Glory. Officials plan to host concerts and theater productions on the new, retractable platform."
I know that there have been performances given at other ancient sites such as the Baths of Caracalla in Rome and in other ancient site around the Mediterranean. I must say, though, that holding concerts there seems a bit incongruous considering the kind of "entertainment" that went on there in Imperial times.
I visited the "colosseum" in Pula Croatia a few years ago when they were hosting a concert. Not sure how I feel about it.
I remember being in Arles about 20 years ago, and they were having concerts in the Roman colosseum there. Here in the US we tear down a colosseum after 25-30 years because it's not modern enough.
Kind of think they shouldn't change the Colosseum, and I'm lukewarm about the idea for concerts there. But then again, the Romans did use musical instruments during the events held there. You can see the gladiator on the far right being grabbed by the referee. I wonder what kind of musical accompaniment they had during the games.
Great photos, @Bing, but as handsome as you are (assuming that's you!), I'm disillusioned. In my mind's eye, you really have always looked exactly like Bing Crosby.
It might work. Roman Amphitheater in Verona, Italy You don't need to be of Italian or Scottish descent ... just a fan of ancient Roman history. This video will give you chills. The haunting rhythmic moan of this song played by these Scots and performed in this ancient Roman amphitheater in Verona, Italy always makes me want to march on Hadrian's Wall: g.
