The Colosseum was a singular feat of engineering and architecture, an icon of ancient Rome. But how long did it take to build the Colosseum? This monumental structure, with its gladiator games and public spectacles in its heart, has caught the attention not only of historians but also of tourists in general. Construction was begun by Emperor Vespasian and finished by his son, Titus, within an unbelievably short period for such an ambitious project.
In this article, we will consider the chronology of the construction of the Colosseum: the successive phases of its formation and the development of this extraordinary building, which had been completed quite quickly.
Table of Contents
The Beginning of Construction Under Emperor Vespasian
Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian around 70-72 AD, the Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was a large structure that had the primary purpose of being a sort of gift to the Roman people after the impression of their country’s radiance given by the Flavian dynasty. But how long did it take to build the Colosseum after Vespasian initiated the project?
The entire preliminary work and foundation work can be presumed to take almost three to four years. This amphitheater’s site was a lake in Nero’s palace complex, Domus Aurea, which had to be drained for Colosseum construction.
Phase 1: Laying the Foundation (70-72 AD)
More preliminary preparation of the ground was constructed before the actual building and construction of the Colosseum. The draining of the lake and laying of the foundation were quite crucial preparations for the further steps. In this stage, thousands of workers consisting of skilled artisans and enslaved individuals were working day and night, so this site would be able to bear such a massive building.
Key Elements in Phase 1:
- Site selection and preparation
- Drain the Nero Lake
- Laying the foundation stones
- Use of concrete for stability
This phase took almost two to three years before any vertical construction.
Phase 2: Constructing the Outer Walls and Seating Tiers
After laying the foundation, actual building construction was vigorously carried out. The second stage involved the erection of the outer walls of the Colosseum made of travertine limestone. These wall constructions gave an elliptical shape, which measures about 189 meters in length and 156 meters in width.
It was during this period that the first three tiers of seating were also developed; these could hold over 50,000 spectators. This portion had been completed in relatively less time because the laborers were highly skillful and utilized somewhat advanced Roman building techniques.
How long did it take to build the Colosseum at this stage?
The second phase probably took about four to five years and the result was thus almost complete externally and internally.
Completion Under Emperor Titus (80 AD)
Although Vespasian ordered this Colosseum, it was perfected by his son, Emperor Titus. After the death of Vespasian in 79 AD, Titus continued the project that had been undertaken by his father and concluded the remaining work in merely one year. By 80 AD, the Colosseum was ready to host its first events.
It was inaugurated with a 100-day ceremony of gladiatorial games, beast hunts, and mock naval battles. The amazingly quick construction of the Colosseum underlined the mastery of Rome in engineering.
Phase 3: Final Touches and Inauguration
In the last stage of construction, Titus oversaw the final touches, including the top tier of seating and the arena floor. The hypogeum was another vital part of the Colosseum: an underground arrangement of tunnels and chambers that housed animals and gladiators before appearances.
This last phase took only about a year, showing how efficient the Roman construction techniques were. So, how long did it take to build the Colosseum? By 80 AD, the Colosseum was fully functional and stood to represent Roman power.
How Long Did It Take to Build the Colosseum?
In all, the Colosseum took approximately eight to ten years to build. This is extremely fast for the size and the complication of the structure. Advanced engineering, huge labour forces, as well as wills on political levels to hastily finish the construction, were some of the factors that contributed to the Colosseum being built so fast.
Except for some mishaps along the way, such as when Vespasian died, the project was taken up by his son Titus and moved along without incident, with Rome’s most famous amphitheater completed in 80 AD.
Conclusion
Well, just how long did it take to build the Colosseum? From its ground-breaking under Vespasian to its completion under Titus, it took less than ten years, considering its enormous grandeur and big sets. Nowadays, the Colosseum is a testament to ingenuity and ambition in ancient Roman engineering that still stands to date, and it also continues with unceasing visual splendor to amaze and inspire visitors from around the world.