Investigating the Foundation of the Amphiteatrum Flavium through the Passage of Commodus

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Published: Jul 13, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4401/ag-7183
Keywords:
Colosseum, foundation, structure characterization, GPR

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Luciana Orlando
University
Giorgio De Donno
Sapienza University of Rome
Luca Di Giambattista
Sapienza University of Rome
Lucia Palladini
Sapienza University of Rome

Abstract

In this work we present a non-invasive investigation of the Amphiteatrum Flavium, executed using the ground penetrating radar (GPR) technique, with the aim to improve the knowledge of the construction materials and techniques employed for building foundation. Therefore, the main goal of this work is to achieve quantitative and reliable information for assessing the seismic vulnerability of the structure. The GPR survey was performed through the Passage of Commodus, excavated within the foundation for a length of about 60 m. GPR data were acquired on the floor and on the lateral walls, using different antenna frequencies (80, 200, 600, 900 MHz) as they combine good resolution and depth of investigation.

On the floor dataset, we detected three equally-spaced anomalies related to old utilities parallel to the passageway, whose roof is located at a depth of 1 m. In addition to this, the GPR radargrams clearly highlight horizontal layers within the foundation, related to the sequential development of works at the time of construction.

GPR dataset acquired on the wall allowed us to detect the thickness of the concrete covering the foundation and to locate the extensions of the structural elements underground. Outside the foundation, the passage is built using bricks, with external walls about 1 m thick.

Therefore, GPR dataset revealed that the foundation of the Colosseum is a heterogeneous multi-layer element, with the presence of cavity networks and buried elements related to the plinths of the load-bearing structures. This work confirmed that foundation was built over time by means of subdivisions into small sectors, probably both in the horizontal and vertical directions.

Article Details

How to Cite
Orlando, L., De Donno, G., Di Giambattista, L. and Palladini, L. (2017) “Investigating the Foundation of the Amphiteatrum Flavium through the Passage of Commodus”, Annals of Geophysics, 60(4), p. S0437. doi: 10.4401/ag-7183.
Issue
Vol. 60 No. 4 (2017): Monitoring and seismic characterization of archaeological sites and structures
Section
SPECIAL ISSUE: Monitoring and seismic characterization of archaeological sites and structures

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