- published: 03 Sep 2015
- views: 64837
The Colosseum, or the Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium, Italian Anfiteatro Flavio or Colosseo), is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.
Occupying a site just east of the Roman Forum, its construction started in 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign (81–96). The name "Amphitheatrum Flavium" derives from both Vespasian's and Titus's family name (Flavius, from the gens Flavia).
Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.
I'm having trouble hearing the loud voice in my mind
It's screaming out the warnings which are happier left behind
Like a ship which ploughs untroubled through a sea of burning oil
So our heads are firmly stuck in sand and all our thoughts recoil
Three score and ten
Is all we're men
And damn what happens then
Sunlight glistens brightly on the metals meant for war
East and West smile across the wall, each are afraid to draw
Black and white wait to fight but neither can win at all
And the mess they'll leave won't be fit to breathe
but choking, men will still call:
Three score and ten
Is all we're man
And damn what happens then
The puppets dance and nod their heads while gold pulls all the strings
Their claims to rule and guide us all are as worthless as their grins
They take the young and teach them death but call it bravery
But soon there'll be no-one left to fight; there'll be no-one left to be
Three score and ten
Is all we're man
And damn what happens then
spoken:
Run swiftly down the tunnel of time
Past the stones of discontent
Through the thorns of pain
And on
Run swiftly down the tunnel of time
The sunshine of life
The storm and after, the rain
And on
Run swiftly on
Life doesn't seem long
The lessons of the past
Were taught to last
So teach the brain
And never the rain
Shall wash the stain
On the flaking tomb of man
Three score and ten
What happens then?