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Message:: [QUOTE="Ocatarinetabellatchitchix, post: 7844534, member: 99554"]<img src="https://images.radio-canada.ca/q_auto,w_960/v1/ici-premiere/16x9/histo-colisee-rome.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /> 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 gamesIn 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. <img src="https://images.radio-canada.ca/q_auto,w_960/v1/ici-premiere/16x9/histo-colisee-rome-24448.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /> 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: [ATTACH=full]1350069[/ATTACH] 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 ! [ATTACH=full]1350072[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]1350073[/ATTACH] Domitian As Rome28mm  10.50gCAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COSSpes holding flowerRIC 724[ATTACH=full]1350076[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]

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