What is the Colosseum?

It is one of the world’s most recognizable monuments. And did you know the Roman Colosseum (Coliseum) was also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre? It is a hugely popular tourist destination, and the quintessential symbol of ancient Roman life.

Who? When?

The Colosseum was commissioned in AD 72 by the Emperor Vespasian. It was completed by his successor and heir Titus in AD 80. Domatian made further improvements during his rein between AD 81-96. All three were part of the Flavian Dynasty (hence where the original name derives from).

Where?

Where the Colosseum has been built is also quite an interesting story. At the time, most amphitheaters were built on the outskirts of the city, but Colosseum was placed directly in the city center. This decision may have been influenced by the Roman Emperor Nero, who reined right before the construction began.

By the 2^nd century BC, the low valley between the Caelian, Esquiline and Palatine Hills (the current location of the Colosseum) was densely populated. It was devastated, however, during the Great Fire of Rome (AD 64). Nero took much of the area to add to his personal domain. There, he built a Domus Aurea, complete with an artificial lake surrounded by pavilions, gardens and porticoes. Next to the lake, he built the bronze Colassus of Nero, a statue in his honor.

At the end of Nero’s rein, much of the area was torn down, the lake filled in- to be the new site of the Colosseum. This can be considered a gesture by Vespasian to return this area in which Nero had taken for himself back to the people of the city.

How?

The construction of the Colosseum was a grandiose undertaking. It was funded by the plunders taken from the Jewish Temple after the Great Jewish Revolt in AD 70 led to the Siege of Jerusalem. It is estimated that approximately 100,000 Jewish slaves were utilized in the construction, along with guidance from professional builders, artists, decorators and engineers from the Roman community. The end result is the largest amphitheater ever built during the Roman Empire. With an ellipse shape, it was 188m long and 156m wide. It could hold an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators.

In the interior, there were rows of interior seats as well as special boxes on the north and south end reserved for the Emperor and his party. At the same level is a platform for the senatorial class, who would bring their own chairs. The names of some of the senators from the 5^th century can still be found carved into the stone, which leads us to believe these spots were reserved. Above the senators is the noble class or knights, followed by the section for ordinary Roman citizens (Plebeians), which was further divided into two sections. One was for the wealthy and one for the poor. During the reign of Domitian another level was added to accommodate for the common poor, slaves and women.

And the why? Check out the next article about the Roman gladiators!

[Rome.info], [Wikipedia]

I’ve been lucky enough to spend a few New Year’s Eves in Europe, once in Spain and once in Germany, which just left me curious to find out about more celebration traditions across Europe.

Spain

¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

Let’s start with my all-time favorite European country (of course I’ve not been to all, but I think it will be difficult to steal my heart from Spain!). New Year’s celebrations in Spain include burning straw dolls in the street and eating 12 grapes at midnight. The heart of the Noche Vieja (New Year’s Eve) can be found at the Puerta del Sol in the center of Madrid. It’s totally packed by the time the famous bell tower chimes so get there early if you want a spot!

Germany

Prosit Neujahr!

New Year’s traditions in my current home include leaving out a bit of food on the table after midnight to ensure plenty of food for the upcoming year, or falling molten lead in cold water, with the end shape being the basis for predictions made for the future of the person such as wedding, traveling or abundance of food, known as Bleigiessen. Berlin’s Brandenburger Tor is the heart of the German New Year’s Eve (known as Silvester), where thousands watch fireworks to celebrate.

Holland

Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!

Another one of my favorite European countries, especially the capital city of Amsterdam, is a great place to celebrate the coming year. One tradition is to eat a donut or something shaped like a ring to bring good fortune in the new year. Come New Year’s Even (known as Oudejaarsavond) people gather in the streets with the countdown taking place in the large grassy square in front of the Rijksmuseum. As well Nieuwmarkt and Dam Square are also great to visit, with the latter featuring live music from famous Dutch DJs.

France

Bonne Année!

One French New Year’s traditions is in the expected romantic fashion, where there is typically a large feast (which includes crepes, foie gras and champagne) with a formal ball or torchlight procession to pick grapes to follow. In the capital city of Paris, crowds gather along the Champs-Elysées with views of the Eiffel Tower’s midnight lights.

Italy

Buon Anno!

Some Italian New Year’s traditions include wearing red underwear or throwing old clothes out the window to ring in the New Year. In the capital city of Rome on New Year’s Eve (San Silvestro) people gather to the piazza del Popolo to see a free concert and fireworks display.

What are your favorite New Year’s traditions?

[Time Out], [123 New Year]

How to Pronounce It Right

Conducting a bit of background research about this ancient Roman neighborhood, I noticed there’s a lot about how us English speakers don’t know how to pronounce it correctly (I know, shocking). So let’s start off learning how to say it right:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhhbGiTQAu0

How Did the Neighborhood Develop?

The literal meaning of the name “Trastevere” is “over/beyond the Tiber”, referring to the main river flowing through Rome, separating the neighborhood from the central sections.

During the Regal period of Rome (753-509 BC), the area belonged to the ancient civilization of the Etruscans. In an attempt to gain control and access of the river from both sides, the Roman’ conquered Trastevere, though they had no intention of building. Over time, sailors, fishermen and immigrants, especially Jewish and Syrian, began settling in the area.

When the Roman emperor Augustus (27 BC-14 AD) took on the task of separating Rome into 14 regions, he considered Trastevere as part of the city, naming it Trans Tiberim.

The neighborhood continued to grow, being the center of the Jewish Roman community until the end of the Middle Ages. During the time of the Imperial Age, many wealthy figures decided to build their homes in Trastevere as well as some important churches, most notably the Basilica di Santa Maria (formerly known as Titulus Callixti)

Over the next centuries, Trastevere continued to develop with an eclectic mix of socioeconomic, cultural, and national backgrounds with small, winding, uneven streets. Also, due to its location of relative isolation on the other side of the river, it managed to maintain its identity despite Rome being one of the most touristic places on earth.

Trastevere Today and Sites to See

Today, there continues to be a lot of foreign influence on the area, from the international universities situated there to the increasing number of tourists wanting to get a closer look at this eclectic and alternative section of town.

One of the most popular spots to visit, and a place I would recommend to start, is the Piazza di Santa Maria, the main plaza lined with sidewalk cafes and the perfect place to people watch!

On the plaza is the Basilica di Santa Maria (Santa Maria Church), one of the oldest churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome. Also, the Basilica di Santa Cecilia (Santa Cecilia Church) is home to “The Last Judgment” a panting considered to be the masterpiece of artist Pietro Cavallini.

From there, just spend the rest of the day walking around the small streets, exploring the various boutiques and definitely finding a trattorie to enjoy some of the delicious cuisine Trastevere has to offer.

We went to Freni e Frizioni, a former mechanic shop, now has some of the best aperitivo in the area and is super popular with locals and visitors alike. It’s situated on the Via del Politeama 4-6, has a really cool, chill vibe, which spills out from the bar and into the plaza in front. Drinks were a little more expensive, but access to the buffet of food was definitely worth it!

For a more budget, friendly option I read that you can find some of the cheapest beer in Rome at Bar San Calisto, located on the Piazza di San Calisto, where Peronis start at 1.50 €.

[Wikipedia], [Lonely Planet], [10best]

Featured image from Michiel Jelijs via Flickr.