The Roman Colosseum: The Story of the World's Most Famous Stadium and Its Deadly Games

By Elizabeth Mann

Book Overview

Now in paperback

The Roman Colosseum was the work of a brilliant and energetic civilization. The Roman Colosseum was the work of a cruel and brutal civilization.

Both are true.

The Roman Colosseum was one of the most extraordinary buildings in the ancient world, a work of engineering genius whose design is imitated every time a modern stadium is built. Yet, what went on inside this building is difficult to comprehend.

Over the centuries, tens of thousands of slaves, prisoners of war, and criminals were slaughtered in the Colosseum for the entertainment of over 50,000 cheering fans. So many animals were destroyed in gruesome "hunts" staged in the arena that entire species disappeared from the Roman colonies of North Africa.

The Roman Colosseum interweaves the impressive story of the construction of this remarkable building and the sobering tale of the "games" that went on inside it. In doing so, it reveals an entire civilization in all its genius and its brutality.

Wonders of the World series

The winner of numerous awards, this series is renowned for Elizabeth Mann's ability to convey adventure and excitement while revealing technical information in engaging and easily understood language. The illustrations are lavishly realistic and accurate in detail but do not ignore the human element. Outstanding in the genre, these books are sure to bring even the most indifferent young reader into the worlds of history, geography, and architecture.

"One of the ten best non-fiction series for young readers."
- Booklist

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931414173
• ISBN13: 9781931414173
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Mikaya Press
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 10.0" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 9 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 8

Customer Reviews

A Must Read!

If you are into the history of the Colosseum or aren't you willbe now! This book features excellent quoatations and vividdescriptions of every little aspect you could think of about the Colloseum. But it could have used some more pictures. The author paints a world with excellent detail right down to the size of there shields! Believe me, at first I thought I wouldn't be interested in barbariens fighting but after reading this I needed more! It also tells about the marvelous chariot races and the foreign animals. This book is worth every cent that you pay for it!