Italy Page 18
The Colosseum and The Arch of Constantine

The Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering. Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. It was also used for the execution of Christians. Later, it was abandoned and partially destroyed by earthquakes. Ironically, it was the Church, recognizing its historical significance, who would eventually rescue the building from total destruction. It is now a Christian shrine, and still has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit Way of the Cross procession that starts in the area around the Colosseum.

The Arch of Constantine was erected to commemorate Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312. It is situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. Ironically, it was Emperor Constantine who finally brought an end to the persecution of Christians. Christianity eventually became the official religion of the empire. Constantine's mother, Saint Helen, played an important role in that development. Constantine's Arch served as the finish line for the marathon athletic event for the 1960 Summer Olympics.