Expert: AliMcJ - 11/5/2003

Question
Hellos AliMcJ
   I am a student at Truman State University and I was assigned to do a persuasive research paper and I chose to do it on the Roman Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater or Coliseum). In my paper I have to discuss an issue about the Colosseum that is debated and take either one of the sides and give information to support my thesis. But my proble is - I have not been able to find anything that is debated upon concerning the actual building.  I turned in a paper proposal discussing the persecution of Christians, but my professor said that I was going in more of a history direction rather than an art history direction.  Do You have any ideas of what I could discuss in my paper ... It's due in 2 weeks - If you could help me out at all I would be so appreciative!  

Thanks,
Jayme

Answer
Sheesh! This is a tough one.

The only thing I can think of that might have been controversial about it would be about proper means of preservation or whether to restore or renovate at different times in its preservation.

It seems to me too that there was some controversy about the design of the columns setting up that perspective curve that the Romans and Greeks worked with -- some controversy about the original plan or structure as compared with what can be seen today.

Also, there may be some controversy about what it actually looked like when it was new (which would then figure heavily into the "restore, preserve, or renovate" factions)

I hope these give you some springboards for ideas.

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