Technological, but also a "return to the past". The Colosseum di Roma, one of the symbols of Italy recognized all over the world, will soon be renovated to guarantee the full use of the central arena. This is an idea launched in 2014 by the archaeologist Daniel Manacorda and supported since then by the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Dario Franceschini. After six years, a loan from 18,5 million euro and a call for tenders already published on Invitalia (expiring on 1 February 2021), this dream may soon come true. The objective of these restoration works, as stated on the Invitalia website, is to "make the surface of the Colosseum arena floor usable and identify a technological, compatible and reversible solution for covering the underground spaces". Once the project has been assigned, it should then be completed very quickly, i.e. by the end of 2021.
Restoration of the Colosseum arena: a return to origins
THEFlavian amphitheater it has been a jewel of Roman technology since its construction. THE underground they are the clearest example of this. The various tunnels and rudimentary "elevators" allowed gladiators, lions and various beasts to be brought to the arena for shows and fights to the death. Also, as reported by the Roman poet Marcus Valerius Martial, the arena of the Colosseum of Roma it was also used for Naumachie, or the re-propositions of naval battles. The arena and its basements were in fact flooded to allow ships to float on the surface of the water. Even if it will no longer be possible to simulate the sea inside the amphitheater, this reconstruction will allow it to return to its original function as a stage for shows (but cultural).
The project involves the construction of a reversible structure that can completely cover the section of the arena. In this way it will be possible to use the central space, not only for visits, but also fororganization of cultural events. As Dario Franceschini himself stated: "The reconstruction of the Colosseum arena is a great idea that has been around the world. It will be a major technological intervention that will offer visitors the opportunity to not only see the underground, as today, but to contemplate the beauty of the Colosseum from the center of the arena".
The pandemic from Covid-19 unfortunately it has blocked many sectors, including the cultural and tourist sectors. The Colosseum, like many other sites, is still closed to the public and therefore not open to visitors. Interventions like this will help revive tourism in our country, but not only. Thanks to the full use of the arena, the amphitheater will be one of the most important stages for theatrical representations, concerts and shows. All this can only happen when the Covid-19 it will no longer be scary. Not now, but a day that, thanks to the arrival of vaccines, doesn't seem to be that far off.
