Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1898-06-25
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ANECDOTAL LITERATURE.
Contributed to the Independent
by W. G.
TnE FLAvIAN AMpuIrHrArEa.

This theater, called the Coliseum
was erected by the Emperor Flayius
Vespasian, after his return from the
Jewish war, A. D. ~. Many thou.
sand Jews, who were made captiyes
in this war, were employed upon the
Colosseum. Titus completed it, and
dedicated it to his father, vespa-
sian. On the day of its dedication,
5000 animals of different species
were cruelty made to destroy each
other for the amusement of the
populance. But not animals alone
were slaughtered in this amphithe.
atre. Here sat the conquerors of
the world, cody to enjoy the CON-
bats Of the gladiators, and the tor
lures and death of men who had
never offended them. Two aque.
ducts were scarcely sufficient to
wash of the human blood which a
few hours sport shed on these i'm.
perial shambles. Twice in one day
came the senators and matrons of
Rome to witness the butohery. A
virgin always gave signal for the
slaughter, and, when glutted with
bloodshed, those ladies sat down in
the wet and streaming arena to a
luxurious supper.
AS the Colosseum now stands, 1t is
striking image of Rome itself
decayed, vacant, serious, yet grand
half gray and half green-erect on
one side, and fallen on the other,
with consecrated ground in its
bosom.
Tho shape necessary to an am
pitheatre has preserved 1t from en-.
tire destruction. Such was its sta
bility that it resisted earthquakes
and seiges. Barbarian hands COM
menced the work of dilapidation,
and popes, in their turn, used it as a
quarry for modern churches.
The colossal structure was oval in
its form, Its length being $50 feet
and its breadth 4TO. 1t was extern
ally surrounded by three rows of
arches, raised one above. another to
the height of l57 feet, each row be-
ing composed of 80 arches with as
many columns.
The order of the lower part of the
Colosseum is Doric the next order
is Ionic the next Corinthian; above
this is row of composite pilasters,
and the whole is crowned with q
heavy attic. The first row Of arches
is marked with Roman numbers
these arches are SO many entrances,
which, by means of twenty stair
cases, led to the upper piszzas and
to the seats; SO that even a child
could find its way directly to its
seat, and the numerous spectators
could quit the ampitheater In
very short time and without confu-
sion.
The arena where the games were
celebrated, is 2s5 feet long and 1872
wide. 1t was surrounded by wall
OF moderate height, to prevent the
animals from escaping. The seats
for spectators were arranged around
the arena. Those destined for tho
Emperor, his family and the mag
mates Of Rome, were the nearest 10
the arena. Above there were the
seats for the people, gradually as
cending, SO that every spectator
could have an uninterrupted view of
the whole ampitheater. Thus 3d..
600 spectators could be accommo-
dated, and 10000 more could cit in
the piazzas above.
There was no roof to this stupen-
dous structure. The spectators
we're protected from the sun and
rain by an awning, which was drawn
over as occasion required.
4