Structures of Ancient Rome

The breath-taking (and still standing!) Colosseum in Rome was originally built in the 1st century during the reign of Vespian. This larger-than-life structure wasn’t finished completely until the reign of Domitian almost 20 years later. Famously, the Colosseum was used as a spectator sports area, showcasing exciting events such as animal fights and gladiator races, but it was also the site of more gruesome acts such as public executions. While not as large as Circus Maximus, the Colosseum was able to hold 50,000 people and was a whopping four stories tall. Built in an oval shape with many columns, archways and pilasters, it was primarily constructed out of limestone, but the inside walls also used stone and brick. It also included a special terrace area that was shielded by a wall, where the Roman authorities, emperors and dignitaries would sit and watch. It must have been so exciting to walk inside a bustling and noisy Colosseum on the day of an event!

Built in the 6th century, Circus Maximus was used as a giant chariot track and stadium for the famous gladiators and their horses (who were celebrities at the time, too). The last race at Circus Maximus was held in 549 AD, but the large oval site can still be seen and walked upon (check it out on your next trip to Rome), even though the original gates lay almost 9 feet underground. Circus Maximus was one of the largest sports arenas ever built and was said to hold an estimated 150,000 spectators at one time!

Hadrian’s Wall is also commonly called the “Roman Wall” and is said to have been built to serve as a marking of the northern boundary of the Roman Empire from Britain. Some scholars think that the wall was built to discourage immigration, while others believe that Hadrian had the wall built to protect Rome from the barbarians. The true motivation for the wall is not certain, but it was certainly seen as an indication of Rome’s power as an empire. It was up to 20 feet high and 20 feet wide in some locations and stretched for an impressive 73 miles!

The great Roman Forum is a rectangular plaza that was famously the scene of many events, from public meetings to gladiator combats, and from a local civilian marketplace to law court—simply put, it was the center of the city during ancient Rome. When you walk within the Roman Forum, you’ll notice it is the site of many Roman monuments. Its importance really began when it became the site of burials in 800 BC, such as the Shrine of Vulcan and the Temple of Vesta. It was also the home of various temples and basilicas. It resides in a small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills.

Can you believe that after 2,000 years the Pantheon is still almost completely intact? Made of marble, stone and brick, it was finished in 125 AD under the reign of Hadrian and is shaped like a giant circle. Inside, you’ll find the tombs of the Italian monarchy and supposedly Raphael, the famous artist. When you look at it you’ll notice eight Corinthian columns and a beautiful Rotunda inside. The dome that sits on top is still in such pristine condition that you would never guess its true age.

The Arch of Constantine is one of three surviving arches left in Rome and was built in 315 AD to commemorate Constantine’s victory over Maxentius. This piece of architecture contains many amazing features—an indoor staircase and attic, three archways that measure 21 meters high, and sculpted panels. When it was first built, it was dedicated to the Senate in Rome signifying 10 years of Constantine’s reign. The reliefs (or stories depicted through the carving of stone) showcase battles and daily civilian life.