Time Scanners: Colosseum

The Colosseum has become a symbol of ancient Rome's power and decadence. The towering 12-story structure boasted 80 entrances, and it is believed that a roof or retractable awning sheltered spectators from the heat and sunlight. Directed by Jay Taylor, this episode from PBS's Time Scanners series, featuring architect Steve Burrows, follows a team armed with 3D laser technology as they probe the mysteries of this ancient engineering marvel. Burrows notes that the Colosseum's builders were stage managers intent on creating illusion and catching the audience by surprise. From an understage—known as the hypogeum—gladiators, wild animals, and horses and chariots would suddenly appear on the arena's floor. The structure was honeycombed with tunnels, ramps, trapdoors, and a complex web of pulleys used to move event participants around. Modern architects believe that the roof's awnings were masts manned by Roman sailors, giving priority to the comfort of the emperor and his honored guests. While the arena's floor and awnings are lost to history, a smaller, similar structure survives surprisingly intact near Pozzuoli, giving clues as to what the Colosseum was like in its heyday. Rome's Colosseum attracted many faraway visitors, with the goal of making them not only feel the empire's might, but also be part of something special. Offering a solid overview of a famed Roman venue, this is recommended. [Note: also newly available in the Time Scanner series are Machu Picchu and Jerusalem.] Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)