Without saying, you must recognize the picture above is Coliseum that is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering. Its construction began between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus. Thus, it has another name, "Amphitheatrum Flavium", derived from both Vespasian's and Titus's family name.

Inside the Coliseum, you can see the Arena and hypogeum. The Arena comprises wooden floor covered by sand, and itself covers an elaborate underground structure called the hypogeum, that not like the Arena, is still clearly visible.

The hypogeum consists of a two-level underground network of tunnels and cages beneath the arena where gladiators and animals were kept before contests starts ( as the above picture shown). It is connected by underground tunnels to a number of points outside the Coliseum. Animals and performers were brought through the tunnel from nearby stables, with the gladiators' barracks at the Ludus Magnus to the east also being connected by tunnels.

There are also tunnels for the Emperor and the Vestal Virgins. They had privilege to enter and exit the Coliseum without needing to pass through the crowds.

Substantial quantities of machinery were used in the hypogeum, for instance, elevators and pulleys. They raised and lowered scenery and props, as well as lifting caged animals to the surface for release.

Although the entrance fee of the Coliseum is very expensive, it is worth visiting, especially to people who study Rome History and architecture. You will be bewitched by the splendor of Coliseum once you go inside.

I recommend you to travel Coliseum in spring and autumn as in summer (I visited there in June) is very hot and a peek season in Italy. Every famous scenic spot is filled with a crowd of people. You will feel like being in the market rather than at the impressive remains of Roman Times in Italy!

Here are some videos of Coliseum; I hope you enjoy watching them.

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Reference Lists:

Wikipedia. (2008). Coliseum & Pictures. Retrieved from September, 21, 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colosseum/div>div> /div>


Youtube (2008). Inside Colosseum. Retrieved from September, 21, 2008,

http://www.youtube.com/v/Uk9V_Ybo8hQ&amp



Youtube (2008). Hypogeum .Retrieved from September, 12,2008,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO1NQy4oyJs

Italy has significantly contributed to the cultural and social development of the entire Mediterranean area, deeply affecting European culture as well. Important cultures and civilizations have been there since prehistoric times.

Italy has a long history, however, I am particular interested in the Roman Republic and Empire as a lot of historical legacies were built in these period. Besides, their people made profound contributions to the development of European philosophy, science, and art during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

I would like to refer to the history of Rome. In accordance with the legend, Rome was discovered in 753BC by the twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, and was then governed by Kings of Rome. The last of seven kings of Rome, Tarquinius Superbus was overthrown in 509BC and the Roman Republic was established. Julius Caesar and Augustus (as shown in the above picture) were the most famous persons in the period. The former was a Roman military and political leader. He played a critical role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. The latter was the first emperor of the Roman Empire as well as the nephew of Julius Caesar.

Apart from that, the month of August (Latin: Augustus) is named after him ; till his time it was called Sextilis (named so because it had been the sixth month of the original Roman calendar and the Latin word for six was sex). Commonly-repeated lore is that August has 31 days because Augustus wanted his month to match the length of Julius Caesar's July, however, this is an invention of the 13th century English scholar Johannes de Sacrobosco. Sextilis in reality had 31 days before it was renamed, and it was not chosen for its length. Sextilis was renamed to cherish the memory of Augustus as several of the most significant events in his rise to power.

After all, I hope you enjoy reading the above history and you can read it more on this web : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Italy_during_Roman_times

Wikipedia (2008).History of Italy, 21,Aug,08. Retrieved from
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Italy