The Colosseum. Peter Quennell. Roman Amphitheatre Architecture, Entertainment.

by Quennell, Peter

Roman History, Architecture, Entertainment, Sport and Death. The Colosseum. Wonders of Man. The Story of the Colosseum by Peter Quennell and the Editors of the Newsweek Book Division.
Published by The Reader's Digest Association Limited, London.. with Newsweek, New York.
295 x 230 x 20mm (11.5/8 x 9.1/8 x 3/4 inches)
Dust Jacket spine faded, otherwise good condition. Gilt outline of Colosseum on front of brown cloth hard cover. Gilt title on spine. Internally good condition except for foxing along upper edge.

One hundred beautiful illustrations accompany a comprehensive description of the most recognizable building of Rome. This book about the Colosseum is a wonderful introduction to the culture of the ancient Romans, and a quick history of the building’s fortunes and misfortunes over the centuries.

Construction of the Colosseum began under the rule of Verspasian, in AD72, and was completed in AD80 under the rule of his successor, Emperor Titus. Used as a giant amphitheatre for entertainment of the masses by gladiators and wild beasts, and for the re-enactment of Roman victories,  50,000 Roman citizens, separated into sections dependent on their status, were also able to watch the Emperor relaxing with his retinue.