COLOSSEUM, Exterior
- Audio File length: 2.08
- Author: STEFANO ZUFFI E DAVIDE TORTORELLA
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Language: English / USA
An ancient prophecy of almost 1500 years ago says, "As long as the Colosseum exists, Rome will also exist, when the Colosseum collapses, Rome will fall, and when Rome falls, the world will fall". So let me begin to tell you about the Colosseum from its exterior. This legendary monument that marks many firsts in history, is above all the largest amphitheater in the world. Unlike most amphitheaters, however, it isn't built on a sloping surface, and has a perfectly autonomous structure that can entirely support itself.
First of all, let me immediately correct a popular misunderstanding: the Colosseum is not round! It is oval-shaped, and measures 188 meters at its greatest length and 156 meters at its smallest length, and 57 meters in height. Its designer's name isn't certain, but historians suppose that it's the same architect who built Domitian's Palace on Palatine Hill....