Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-02-27
THE COLISEUM AT ROME.
From the n. Y. T.Observer.


THE COLISEUM AT ROME.
From the N Y. Observer.
The coliseum is one of the noblest ruins of
ancient times. 1t is magnificent structure,
even in its present dilapidated state, and is
peopled with a thousand associations among
which the scholar and the Christian linger with
equal interest It was called by the ancient
Romans the Flavian Amphitheatre, from Fla
yius Yespasianus, who laid the foundation up
on a portion of the space occupied by Nero in
ornamenting his famous golden house or pa
lace. 1t stands in valley between the Pala-
tine, the Esquiline and the Celian hills. Yes
pasian did not live to complete it. He died
after laying the foundation; but his son Titus,
whose name is forever associated with The fall
of the Holy City, took up the work and COM
pleted it. 1t is said that Titus employed in
this work the Jews whom he brought as cap
tives to Rome after the taking of Jerusalem.
Tradition also says that it designed by a
Christian architect, who was subject to the
despotic authority Of the emperor, and who
afterwards suffered martyrdom. At tie dedi-
cation of the building 5000 wild beasts were
slain in the arena, aud games were celebrated
for nearly 100 days continuously.
The form of the Coliseum is oval, its great
er axis being go feet and the smaller 52o,
making the circuit about one-third Of e mile.
The superficial space that it covers is nearly
six acres, the greater portion of which is oc-
pied by the massive walls and arches that sup
ported the seats, which ran back from the are
ma to the heighth Of more than $50 feet above
I.
l57 feet high. The arena which was devoted
to the games and gladiatorial shows in early
tines, is about 500 feet in length, and less
than 200 wide, corresponding in shape to the
oval form of the building. The structure it
self has suffered greatly from the rayases of
hands equally profane with those which caus-
ed lis erection. For long time it served as
palaces and many more of the private dwell
lings having been built from the material of its
walls. This work of demolition was arrested
by its conservation to the memory of the Chris
tian martyrs who had pershed in the arena
One form of idolatry is frequently substituted
in Rome for another. Ancient paganism has
been superseded by system which still al
large cross now stands in the centre of the are
na, bearing an inscription which promises 200
days Indulgence to all who kiss it, and as many
days for each kiss. have often stood and
watched the ignorant devotees of popcry, stop
ping to purchase by such an embrace more
speedy release from the pains of purgatory,
and repeating the embrace in the vain and
senseless hope that kissing the wood was an
effcctual means of laying up for themselves
store of grace to be used in the time OF need.
The student of ancient history fingers with
the deepest interest around this vast building,
as his Imagination carries him back to the
days when some eighty or hundred thousand
were assembled to witness the games in which
the combatants met to try their strength in
mortal strife, or to fall prey to wild beasts
One can almost see the wrestlers or the gladi-
ators, and hear the shouts of the myriads as
some faYorite is victorious. But to the Chris
tian this amphitheatre IS full of the most sa-
cred associations, painful though they be-
Here thousands of the early disciples of Jesus
suffered death, and, strange to say, contribu-
ted to the sport of their pagan persecutors.-
Here were witnessed by countless crowds, a
mopg which sat emperors, scenes over which
angels hoyered, as they waited to conduct the
spirits of the suffering saints to receive tho
palm of victory and the crown of martyrdom
on high.
The noblest of the martyrs of tho Coliseum
was Ignatius, bishop of Antioch. While the
Emperor Trajan was visiting this city, he heard
of the faith and zeal of this minister of Christ,
and offered him large reward if he would sac
rifce to the Roman gods. He replied, ssshould
you offer me ali the treasures of your empire,
would not cease to adore fhe only true aud
living God" Ignatius was summoned TO
Rome after having been threatened without a.
vail. On his way he was met everywhere by
Christian friends whom he encouraged to per-
severe, and who in turn strengthened his heart