AUGUST 23rd: the COLOSSEUM IS ON FIRE

Ocatarinetabellatchitchix · Aug 23, 2021

I was hoping you would show it @AncientJoe !

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differential · Aug 23, 2021

Ocatarinetabellatchitchix said: ↑

Built in the heart of Rome to mark the coming to power of a new dynasty, the Colosseum has in turn represented the strength of the people, Roman omnipotence, the great Christian persecutions, then the pride and resilience of the Italians. When Nero, who had made the center of Rome his private palace, died, the emperor Vespasian ordered the construction of an amphitheater of Greek inspiration to make it a public place, around the year 70 AD. During its construction, Titus won the wars of Judea and takes Jerusalem; its plunder provides the means necessary to beautify the Colosseum, and the building becomes a warning to anyone who wishes to oppose Rome.
Bread and games
In the wake of the eruption of Vesuvius, the hundred days of festivities surrounding the inauguration of the Colosseum are an occasion of distraction for the Romans. During the building's heyday, it featured gladiatorial and exotic animal fights, as well as gruesome reconstructions of Greek myths in which prisoners were put to death. Over the course of earthquakes, barbarian invasions and the abandonment of Rome in favor of Constantinople as the capital of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum fell into disuse. It was not until the 18th century that it was recognized as a place of importance for Christendom, in homage to the martyrs who perished there. The Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and has been listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome.

In 217 AD August 23rd, the Colosseum was badly damaged by a major fire (caused by lightning, according to Dio Cassius) which destroyed the wooden upper levels of the amphitheatre's interior. It was not fully repaired until about 240 and underwent further repairs in 250 or 252 and again in 320. It happened the day of the VOLCANALIA ! Here is the historian's description:

The hunting theatre was struck by thunderbolts on the very day of the Vulcanalia, and such a blaze followed that its entire upper circuit and everything in the arena was consumed, and thereupon the rest of the structure was ravaged by the flames and reduced to ruins. Neither human aid could avail against the conflagration, though practically every aqueduct was emptied, nor could the downpour from the sky, which was most heavy and violent, accomplish anything — to such an extent was the water from both sources consumed by the power of the thunderbolts, and, in fact, actually contributed in a measure to the damage done. In consequence of this disaster the gladiatorial show was held in the stadium for many years.
Cassius Dio LXXIX, 25

Magnificent, rare and expensive coins have been issued in honor of this famous building:

View attachment 1350069

As you can imagine, I can't afford a beauty like this. But since the ancient name of the Colosseum was the Flavian Amphitheatre, I can post some cheaper Flavian's coins. Please show me your Colosseum's or Flavian's coins !

View attachment 1350072

View attachment 1350073

Domitian As Rome
28mm 10.50g
CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS
Spes holding flower
RIC 724
View attachment 1350076
Click to expand...

differential · Aug 23, 2021

Sorry, I meant to offer some thoughts. What a great post with wonderful photos.

Years ago I was teaching a course in Rome. On a night off, I rented a mountain bike and ended up at the Coliseum--in the dark. Lord Byron in one of his poems captured my thoughts almost perfectly:

ARCHES on arches! as it were that Rome,
Collecting the chief trophies of her line,
Would build up all her triumphs in one dome,
Her Coliseum stands; the moonbeams shine
As ’t were its natural torches, for divine 5
Should be the light which streams here, to illume
This long-explored, but still exhaustless, mine
Of contemplation; and the azure gloom
Of an Italian night, where the deep skies assume

ominus1 · Aug 23, 2021

AncientJoe said: ↑

Here's my sestertius, pre-fire and earthquakes and all of the other physical damage it has had to endure:

View attachment 1350451
Click to expand...

fantastic coin Joe!

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AUGUST 23rd: the COLOSSEUM IS ON FIRE

Ocatarinetabellatchitchix Well-Known Member

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AUGUST 23rd: the COLOSSEUM IS ON FIRE

Ocatarinetabellatchitchix Well-Known Member

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