Constructions of the Colosseum and Theatre at Leptis Magna

The materials used in each building have had a strong influence in the usage of them. The Colosseum demonstrates the use of lighter building materials in order to support the weight of the construction, as if materials were too heavy, the building would not be able to stand, particularly in the free standing tiered seating. Travertine stone, or limestone, is the main material used in the building of the Colosseum, as well as opus cementicium and brick as these are lighter than other materials and are resistant, an important feature in order to allow the Colosseum to be a success, and one which has allowed it to stand for so many years. The main body of the construction, and the columns and paved area around the Colosseum are made from trav

ertine stone; however the top level was made from wood in order to reduce the weight. Most of the Colosseum was paved in marble, used for its aesthetic qualities. Because it is a heavier stone, it was simply veneered over the other stonework to allow less weight, and this was used on top cover most of the building including the seating. The use of marble also demonstrated propaganda to the people of Rome, as by using the handsome stone on public seating showed the crowds the goodness of the Emperor towards his people. The use of a wooden arena was particularly successful as it allowed the floor to be removed for “sea battles”, in which the arena was flooded with water and gladiatorial boats were used for fighting, and then could be put back for the land based activities. The theatre of Leptis Magna is constructed mostly from grey limestone, a practical, yet fairly plain stone but allowing a strong foundation for the theatre. Cipollino marble is again used in the theatre for its aesthetic qualities. The first tier of the cavea is made using marble, because this is where the authority of the city, and most important theatre goers sat as well as thrones which the attendants sat on in this part of the seating also constructed from marble, to demonstrate their importance.

The construction methods of the Colosseum relate to the materials used also. The use of arches in the building is the most important construction method of the Colosseum. The building is supported by the many arches through it, as these allow the building to create wedges, which in turn allow the oval shape of the amphitheatre. The use of arches reduces the weight of the building also, as it allows the reduction of materials, which of course also relates to the materials chosen to make these, as together, the weight is reduced to allow the free standing of the building. The arches therefore also allow the tiered seating to be supported, and along with the 37 degree angle of the seating aids in allowing the building to be free standing. The barrel vault passageways of the arches are also successful in allowing the easy access for the crowds in filling and emptying the theatre, as there are so many passageways. The theatre of Leptis Magna uses con

Some topics in this essay:
Leptis Magna, Deified Emperors, Theatre Colosseum, Porta Libitinaria, Emperor Nero, Flavian Emperors, Augustus Emperor, leptis magna, theatre leptis, theatre leptis magna, , construction methods, free standing, tiered seating, layout theatre, Theatre Leptis, temple deified emperors, proscaenium allowing performers, building materials, catered layout, allowing performers, travertine stone, barrel vault passageways, allows prime viewing,