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Roman Forum and Colosseum with Dr. Dimo Kosmopoulos

Roman Forum and Colosseum with Dr. Dimo Kosmopoulos


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Context's Before You Go online seminars are designed for travelers looking to enhance their in-person experiences at famous landmark destinations in cities around the world. Our virtual learning experience has been designed to compliment Context's flagship Roma Antica In-Person Tour.

An icon of the ancient world, the biggest amphitheater ever built to that point, it became a symbol of the might and power of the Roman Empire. The Colosseum was used for more than 443 years as a multi-purpose arena. The social life of Ancient Rome, lively and multifaceted, required this kind of gathering space. The whole population utilized this venue for discourse while enjoying the free distributions of bread in the amphitheater–not to mention the gladiators' fights.

During this conversation, we will learn about the Colosseum's daily schedule and the logistics which supported its 50,000 spectators. We'll learn about the architectural designs of the original arena and compare them to the many conservation and renovations efforts underway by specialists in the present day. 

When the Colosseum was not in use, the social life of the Romans revolved around the beating heart of the ancient city, the main square– the Forum. This area has been in active use for more than 1,200 years; ruins of temples, buildings, and the Senate House (the Curia), still today frame the square. 

Why is the Forum so important to preserve and what was actually going on in the square day-to-day? Together we will investigate these popular questions and place the monuments in context by understanding their architecture and their evolution over time. Our approach will follow a historical and archaeological narrative, leaving us with a deep knowledge of the topography of ancient Rome, the use of the venues, and the timeline in which the structures were built–and the weight they carry in the daily lives of Romans, even in the 21st century. 

Led by Dimosthenis Kosmopoulos, a classical archaeologist, this interactive seminar will focus on one of the most important buildings of the first Roman Empire, the Colosseum, and on the main square of the ancient city, the Forum. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with increased knowledge of the history and relevance of one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world, the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. 

Eager to learn more? Get inspired with our other Rome virtual content:
Or explore Rome on a private walking tour with Context:

During his university studies at “La Sapienza” in Rome, Dimosthenis participated in several national and international projects, such as the study of Latin epigraphy and Roman pottery as well as various archaeological excavations in different areas of Rome (Roman Forum, Palatine, Mausoleum of Augustus). His work as an archaeologist brought him to carry out research in classical art and architecture, exploring in particular the relationship between iconography and architecture as ancient Greek and Roman artistic expressions. Dimosthenis completed his Ph.D. with a thesis on temple architecture in the Italian peninsula during the Republican period. This topic became his area of expertise. His knowledge of archaeology, ancient art history and Roman architecture is the key that he uses to share his unique perspective on the Eternal City.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
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(7)
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J
J. (Washington, US)

Guest did not leave comment

C
Charley Michieli (Tucson, US)

Guest did not leave comment

S
S.W. (Toronto, CA)
Ancient Rome brought to life

Vivid and fascinating descriptions, wonderful sense of Roman times. Thoroughly enjoyed the session and would definitely attend another with Dimo.

T
T.S. (New Braunfels, US)

Guest did not leave comment

A
A.O. (Chico, US)
Awesome

Outstanding, very helpful in providing details I definitely would miss. Good sense of humor. Keep sharing with the traveling public.

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
100%
(7)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
J
J. (Washington, US)

Guest did not leave comment

C
Charley Michieli (Tucson, US)

Guest did not leave comment

S
S.W. (Toronto, CA)
Ancient Rome brought to life

Vivid and fascinating descriptions, wonderful sense of Roman times. Thoroughly enjoyed the session and would definitely attend another with Dimo.

T
T.S. (New Braunfels, US)

Guest did not leave comment

A
A.O. (Chico, US)
Awesome

Outstanding, very helpful in providing details I definitely would miss. Good sense of humor. Keep sharing with the traveling public.