The Colosseum in Rome：The Greatest Sports Venue...
32.The Colosseum in Rome：The Greatest Sports Venue in History 古罗马斗兽场——史上最伟大的体育场馆
The original name of the Colosseum in Rome is Amphitheatrum Flavium. It was built from 72 AD to 82 AD. It is the symbol of the Ancient Roman Civilization, and also the greatest sports venue in history.
罗马斗兽场，原名弗莱文圆形剧场，建于公元72～82年，是古罗马文明的象征，也是历史上最伟大的体育场馆。
●The Introduction of the overall Situation 总体情况介绍
The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.
Occupying a site just east of the Roman Forum, its construction started in 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign（81-96）. The name"Amphitheatrum Flavium"derives from both Vespasian's and Titus's family name.
Capable of seating 50，000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era.It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.
Although in the 21st century it stays partially ruined because of damage caused by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions and still has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit"Way of the Cross"procession that starts in the area around the Colosseum.
科洛西姆斗兽场坐落在意大利罗马市中心的一个椭圆形剧场上，这是罗马帝国建造的最大的剧场。它被认为是罗马建筑工程的最伟大的作品之一。
斗兽场于维斯帕先统治时期的公元72年开工，于提图斯统治时期的公元80年竣工，后来于图密善统治时期（公元81～96年）进行了进一步修改。如今占据了罗马广场的东部位置。“弗莱文圆形剧场”的名字来源于维斯帕先和提图斯的皇家姓氏。
该斗兽场能够容纳50000名观众，被用来角斗和进行公共表演，例如，模拟海战，猎杀动物，处决，著名战役的重演，以及古典神话改编的戏剧。这座建筑在中世纪早期不再是用于娱乐的场所。后来的人们重新使用它来达到如下目的：住房，厂房，宗教用地，堡垒，采石场，以及基督教圣地。
尽管在21世纪，由于破坏性的地震和滚石灾难而让该斗兽场受到部分损伤，但它依然是罗马帝国的一个标志性符号。它是罗马最热门的旅游景点，如今仍与天主教会有着密切的联系，每个耶稣受难日，教皇都会从斗兽场附近地区出发，领着耶稣赴难路的“十字架路”队伍游行。
●The Interiors of the Colosseum 斗兽场的内部摆设
Unlike earlier Greek theatres that were built into hillsides, the Colosseum is an entirely free-standing structure. It derives its basic exterior and interior architecture from that of two Roman theatres back to back.
该斗兽场与以往建在山坡上的希腊剧院不一样，它是一个完全独立的结构。它的基本外观和内部结构来源于两个背靠背的罗马剧院。
Interior Seating 内部座位
The Colosseum could accommodate 87，000 people, although modern estimates put the figure at around 50，000. They were seated in a tiered arrangement that reflected the rigidly stratified nature of Roman society.Special boxes were provided at the north and south ends respectively for the Emperor and the Vestal Virgins, providing the best views of the arena.Flanking them at the same level was a broad platform or podium for thesenatorial class, who were allowed to bring their own chairs.The names of some 5th century senators can still be seen carved into the stonework.
The tier above the senators, known as the maenianum primum, was occupied by the non-senatorial noble class or knights. The next level up, the maenianum secundum, was originally reserved for ordinary Roman citizens and was divided into two sections.The lower part was for wealthy citizens, while the upper part was for poor citizens.Specific sectors were provided for other social groups：for instance, boys with their tutors, soldiers on leave, foreign dignitaries, scribes, heralds, priests and so on.Stone（and later marble）seating was provided for the citizens and nobles, who presumably would have brought their own cushions with them.
Another level, the maenianum secundum in legneis, was added at the very top of the building during the reign of Domitian. This comprised a gallery for the common poor, slaves and women.It would have been either standing room only, or would have had very steep wooden benches.Some groups were banned altogether from the Colosseum, notably gravediggers, actors and former gladiators.
Each tier was divided into sections by curved passages and low walls, and were subdivided into cunei, or wedges, by the steps and aisles from the vomitoria. Each row of seats was numbered, permitting each individual seat to be exactly designated by its gradus, cuneus, and number.
该斗兽场可以容纳87000人，现代估计数字在50000人。人们可以坐在严格按照罗马社会性质来分层的一排排座位上。特种厢分布在南北两端，分别为皇帝和维斯塔尔修女而设，这里是观看舞台的最佳视点。同一水平线上的侧翼是一个为那些可以把自己的椅子带进来的元老阶层而建的广阔平台或指挥台。如今还可以目睹雕刻在石雕上的公元5世纪的一些参议员的名字。
参议员名字之上的那一层，称为原发层，被非参议院的贵族和骑士占有。再往上的一层是继发层，原先为罗马公民们保留下来，分为两部分。较低的部分留给富裕的公民，较高的部分留给贫穷的公民。特殊区域提供给其他社会群体：例如，男孩们和他们的导师、休假的士兵、外国政要、文士、裁判、祭司等。石头（后来是大理石）座位提供给市民和贵族，他们大概会把自己的靠垫带在身边。
在图密善统治时期，在另一个水平线上，建筑顶部加设了一个带孔的继发层。其中包括一间谓大众贫民，奴隶和妇女开设的画廊。这里不是只有站的地方，还提供了非常陡峭的木制长椅。一些团体，尤其是掘墓人，演员和前角斗士，被严禁出现在斗兽场。
每一层都被弯曲的通道和低墙分成几个部分，又被出入通道的台阶和走廊分成更明细的部分，也即楔叶或楔角。每一排座位都有编号，每个座位都是完全由其指定的韵律、文字和数量来决定编号。
Arena and Hypogeum 舞台和地下室
The arena itself was 83 meters by 48 meters. It comprised a wooden floor covered by sand, covering an elaborate underground structure called the hypogeum.Little now remains of the original arena floor, but the hypogeum is still clearly visible.It consisted of a two-level subterranean network of tunnels and cages beneath the arena where gladiators and animals were held before contests began.Eighty vertical shafts provided instant access to the arena for caged animals and scenery pieces concealed underneath；larger hinged platforms provided access for elephants and the like.It was restructured on numerous occasions；at least twelve differentphases of construction can be seen.
The hypogeum was connected by underground tunnels to a number of points outside the Colosseum. Animals and performers were brought through the tunnel from nearby stables.Separate tunnels were provided for the Emperor and the Vestal Virgins to permit them to enter and exit the Colosseum without needing to pass through the crowds.
Substantial quantities of machinery also existed in the hypogeum. Elevators and pulleys raised and lowered scenery and props, as well as lifting caged animals to the surface for release.There is evidence for the existence of major hydraulic mechanisms and according to ancient accounts, it was possible to flood the arena rapidly, presumably via a connection to a nearby aqueduct.
该舞台自身面积为83米×48米。它包括一块被沙子覆盖的木地板，覆盖在一个名叫地下室的地下结构之上。原来的舞台地板遗迹甚少，但地下室仍清晰可见。舞台下方分布着一个双层的呈现网络状分布的地下隧道和兽笼，那是比赛开始之前斗士和动物居住所。80根垂直轴为笼子里的动物和隐匿其下的风景提供了即时访问的舞台；较大的铰接平台为大象等大型动物提供了通道。这在许多场合都可以重组；至少可以看出12个不同的建设阶段。
地下隧道将地下室与斗兽场外众多的点接在一起。动物和演员通过隧道从附近的马厩运送而来。独立隧道是为皇帝和维斯塔尔修女准备的，让他们可以不必经过拥挤的人群而自由出入斗兽场。
大量的机械也存在于地下室。电梯和滑轮用来升高或降低布景和道具，还可以提升笼中的动物到地面上来放生。有证据表明存在重大液压机制，根据历史记载，这可能是用来快速冲洗舞台的，估计它连接到了附近的水道。