L'anfiteatro Flavio nei suoi venti secoli di storia

A sweeping yet approachable survey, this work follows the Flavian Amphitheatre from its birth under the early emperors through the first centuries of Christian Rome. The author opens with the original design, materials, and inaugural celebrations, then walks the listener through the arena’s layout, subterranean passages and the striking decorative programs that once adorned its walls. Rich illustrations and detailed tables help bring the ancient stone to life, making complex architectural features easy to picture.

The narrative continues beyond antiquity, tracing how earthquakes, medieval fortifications, papal interventions and modern excavations reshaped the monument over eight hundred years. Along the way, lively discussions examine contested questions about early naumachiae, the meaning of surviving inscriptions, and the arena’s role in Christian martyr traditions. By the end of the first act, listeners will have a solid grasp of the Colosseum’s original grandeur and the layers of history that have both damaged and preserved it.