Name/Title
StereographEntry/Object ID
2023.055.3.0288Description
A black and white stereograph. Image is of the ruins of the Colosseum. Above the image "T427 (Star)", below the image "W16893 The Ruins of the Colosseum, Rome, Italy." is printed, to the left of the image "Keystone View Company Copyrighted, H. C. White Co. Manufacturers MADE IN U.S.A. Publishers" is printed, to the right of the image "Meadville, Pa., New York, N. Y., Chicago, Ill., London, England." is printed. On the reverse the following is printed:
463 - (11234)
RUINS OF THE COLOSSEUM, ROME, ITALY
Lat. 42 (Degrees) N.; Long. 12 (Degrees) E.
For centuries Rome was the mistress of the world. Other nations of the known world paid tribute to her. Her legions of soldiers conquered Europe from Scotland to Greedce. Migthy Egypt was her vassal. The greate naiton of Carthage in northern Africa fell before her might. Far-away Persia knew her power, and trembled. Every civilized western nation was a colony of Rome when the Caesars ruled. Petty kings rendered unto Caesar that which was Caesar's; and Caesar's tribute was not light.
It was fitting that these Caesars should have a place of amusement that was worhty of such rulers. Vespasian (pronunciation) began the structure in 72 A.D. It was dedicated 8 years afterward, although the fourth story was not added till 150 years later. The great structure, now known as the Colosseum (pronunciation), is the largest theater ever built, and one of the finest structures. It is circular in shape but now quite round. It is 205 yards across the longest way, and 170 yards the shortest. It is 158 feet high. It lacks only a few yeards of being one-third of a mile around on the outside. This great building was made of stone throughout. It as fitted up with stone seats for 50,000 people. There was standing room for 20,000 more. The Polo Grounds, the home of the New York "Giants" baseball team, will hold only half this number.
Baseball was not known in those days. There were combats between men, between animals, and between animals and men. Many times great crowds of men, women, and children - all Christians - were brought into the arena fo the Colosseum, and lions wer turned loose to slaughter them. The building you are gazing on is a monument to wickedness as well as to glory.
Copyright by The Keystone View CompanyCollection
Photograph Collection