ctable and much like a sail. So much in fact, sailors who lived in a nearby town managed the velarium, or colored awning. This was a remarkable feat considering that most stadiums now days are still not fully enclosed. It is believed that it did not cover the whole structure, but most of the spectators were covered for a portion of the day. Hebrew prisoners and slaves of the time employed the building of the Coliseum. All the details of the actual construction are unknown, but it is based upon a barrel-vaulted scheme that circles around. The builders used tavertine blocks to construct a framework of piers, arches, and linked walls and vaults. The cement posts go deep into the ground to support the great weight. The lower level vaults were constructed of tufa or pumice. On the upper floors the walls were built with brick and concrete. Travertine was used to surround the outside and was held in place by iron clamps. To get inside one must enter their gate, and proceed up the stairway to the designated level much like a modern stadium. Inside the Coliseum the arena floor was wooden and covered with sand to soak up the blood. There was a great podium made of marble on the sidelines which housed the dignitaries. Above that were marble seats for distinguished private citizens. The second held the middle class, the third held slaves and foreigners, and the fourth levels were for women and the poor who sat on wooden seats The arches allowed for great ventilation, stability, and passageways to keep the crowd comfortable all day. One of the first natural changes of the Coliseum came in 320 when lightning struck and damaged the building. In 422 it was damaged by an earthquake. However, Theodosius II and Valentitian III repaired it only to be again damaged by an earthquake in 508. After the sixth century the city of Rome and the Coliseum went downhill because of devastating disasters. The influence of Greek and Etruscan architecture makes the Colis...
