What happened to the missing half of the Colosseum?

Summary by Krater

This video examines the history of the Colosseum during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, explaining how half of the structure was lost due to earthquakes, pillaging, and papal politics. It concludes that a combination of seismic instability on unwaterlogged sediment, quarrying for building materials, and deliberate dismantling by popes led to the destruction of the Colosseum's southern half.

From the video

Answers: What happened to the missing half of the Colosseum?

• Colosseum history
• Medieval Rome
• Renaissance Rome
• Earthquake damage to ancient structures
• Building material pillaging
• Papal influence on Roman monuments

What it concludes

• The Colosseum's southern half collapsed due to unstable waterlogged sediment amplifying seismic shocks from earthquakes.
• Much of the Colosseum was destroyed by medieval and Renaissance scavengers and builders who pillaged its marble and travertine for other structures and mortar.
• The northern side of the Colosseum survived largely because it was less susceptible to earthquake damage and was preserved by the papacy as a monumental backdrop for processions.