... an unhindered view of the games. The arrangement of the seating also played a major part in the symbolic aspect of the design by allocating seats to the spectators according to their social rank within the Roman society. To support the massive weight of the building and large crowds, different building materials were used. Deep foundations, thick walls and piers were arranged in a pattern which radiated out from the centre of the arena to add strength. Canopies which could be pulled out of each tier and water fountains, were also incorporated within the design. These were to provide the mass crowds with shade and refreshment. The Colosseum was designed and built to display the strength of Rome to the rest of the empire and grew to symbolize the Roman hold over its enemies, the sheer scale of the building and the ornate architecture achieved this by being the largest ...

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