Describe the main purposes of the Colosseum in Rome.

Built during the Augustan Age the Colosseum in Rome is the largest amphitheatre ever built, and due to its size and central location within Rome it has a variety of purposes. The Colosseum’s primary function was of course entertainment, such as gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles and re-enactments of historical battles. Such entertainment was very popular with the people and by the death of Julius Caesar there were fifty-nine days a year devoted to the games, and this number greatly increases under the emperors. The Colosseum was of great importance in the civic life of Rome, as it included those from all walks of life: slaves, freedmen, the elite of Rome and the Emperor himself. However the colosseum was more than just a source of entertainment and in fact was very versatile in function. For example the Colosseum held religious sacrifices both before and after gladiatorial fights, giving it a religious dimension. And of course the Colosseum also held a political dimension: statues of emperors, gods, and public figures were often placed between columns at amphitheatres, reminding the people of their superiors. And this political dimension is further emphasised by the fact that amphitheatres also enabled ordinary people to voice their grievances to those in government, by either withholding applause or chanting at the Emperor and senators.