Myths and Legends: The Colosseum After Rome's Fall (Video)
In the centuries following the fall of Rome, the Colosseum underwent significant transformations and became a site of legend and varied uses. By the 16th century, it was a dilapidated ruin, where tales of necromancers and demons circulated, such as the account by Benvenuto Cellini of a necromancer summoning demons in its arena.
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The structure, completed in 80 AD, was originally the largest and most advanced Roman amphitheater, with extensive seating, elaborate subterranean chambers, and facilities for public convenience. The last gladiatorial games likely ended in the early fifth century, influenced by rising costs and Christian opposition. However, beast hunts continued until 523 AD, outlasting the Western Roman Empire.
As Rome's population dwindled during the Gothic Wars, the Colosseum became largely obsolete. Its grand history gave way to myths, including that it was once a temple crowned by a golden dome. Despite attempts to secure it, squatters soon inhabited its spaces, repurposing its stone for construction and lime production.
The amphitheater also served various roles over time: as a castle for the Frangipani family, a bullring, and a notorious hideout for bandits. Its structural integrity suffered from natural disasters, like the 1349 earthquake, leading to significant stone removal for new buildings in Rome, including St. Peter's Basilica.
Despite this, the Colosseum was preserved in part due to joint ownership by a local religious order, the city of Rome, and the popes. While some popes considered demolishing it, others limited stone removal, seeing it as a significant Christian monument. By the 19th century, efforts began to stabilize and excavate the Colosseum, cementing its status as a symbol of Roman grandeur and a prominent tourist destination.
Top image: Roman Colosseum. Source: FeaturedPics/CC BY-SA 4.0
