Customer Reviews

The Colosseum

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Few monuments in our world inspire the awe and spur the imagination as does Rome's Colosseum. Even before the compelling Oscar-winning film "Gladiator," millions knew the prominent role this edifice played in history. And, while computer graphic imaging brought a remarkable structure to life in the motion picture, this lavish, unparalleled study restores it once again.

Over 150 color illustrations and 127 black and white images trace the Colosseum from the day of its inauguration in A.D. 80 to the present. It once which covered six acres of land, sat between 12 and 15 stories above ground, and held over 50,000 spectators. Scholars representing art, architecture, and antiquities bring their expertise to an depth look at the gladiators' life and world. As we know, the bloody battles in which they engaged were the original attractions. It is amazing to learn how closely these events parallel contemporary spectacles - the recruitment and training of participants, creating eye-popping scenery, providing wardrobes, ticket sales, etc.

It was only when arguments arose concerning amphitheater games that the fighting came to a halt.

A detailed examination of the building's exterior and interior architecture is included, as well as complete views of the warren of underground areas constructed for gladiators and animals.

- Gail Cooke