Poe's Bread and Circuses

Welcome to Celebrate Poe - Episode 297 - Poe’s Bread and Circuses

Today I would like to begin by talking about the Coliseum itself before getting into other areas.  The actual poem by Poe - The Coliseum - was one of his first poems - and might need a bit of background. And while I was doing research for this and future episodes regarding The Coliseum - I ran into several sources who said that they thought the poem was the best that Poe ever wrote.  I did not think that much about the poem the first time I read it, but after I learned more, I can see why Poe’s poem The Coliseum has so many fans.

Thank you for experiencing Celebrate Poe.

Transcript

Welcome to Celebrate Poe - Episode 297 - Poe’s Bread and Circuses

The movie Gladiator II debuts this week, and from what I understand, the film is definitely entertaining - but not the most historically accurate.  According to a reviewer for the BBC if the film was strictly accurate, then the word Colosseum wouldn't even be uttered. Its original name was the Flavian Amphitheatre, after the dynasty that ruled when the building was constructed. People only started to call it the Colosseum centuries later, around the year 1000 AD. The main reason why Mariotti isn't overly concerned by these errors is the huge impact that a film like Gladiator II has on viewers and tourism. "There is a great amount of snobbery in the academic world towards film," says the director of the movie. "I'm really baffled by it, because over the last 20 years Gladiator had a huge impact. Before the film, you could get into the Colosseum for free. The following year, people came in droves.”

And by the way - true story - I was one of those people who got into the Coliseum for free and planned to spent the night there when I was much younger - but more about that later.

Today I would like to begin by talking about the Coliseum itself before getting into other areas.  The actual poem by Poe - The Coliseum - was one of his first poems - and might need a bit of background. And while I was doing research for this and future episodes regarding The Coliseum - I ran into several sources who said that they thought the poem was the best that Poe ever wrote.  I did not think that much about the poem the first time I read it, but after I learned more, I can see why Poe’s poem The Coliseum has so many fans.

As the largest amphitheater ever built, the Coliseum's massive size projected Roman power and dominance. It could host grand spectacles for 50,000 spectators, reinforcing Rome's image as the center of a vast, mighty empire. The seating arrangements in the Colosseum mirrored Roman social structure. Elites and nobility occupied lower levels closer to the action, while common citizens sat higher up, reflecting and reinforcing societal distinctions. The Colosseum's primary purpose of hosting gladiatorial contests and other grand events reflected the Roman value placed on public entertainment and spectacle as a means of social cohesion and political control. Emperors used the Colosseum to demonstrate their power and connect with the people. By providing grand entertainment, they could appease the public and assert their dominance, embodying the concept of "bread and circuses”. The Colosseum's architecture influence and the variety of spectacles it hosted (including exotic animals from far-flung parts of the empire) showcased Rome's ability to assimilate and harmonize different cultures under its rule. The Colosseum's sturdy construction, which has allowed it to endure for centuries, reflects the Roman ideal of building lasting monuments to their civilization.

And as a central gathering place for Romans of all classes, the Colosseum fostered a sense of shared civic identity and pride in Roman achievements.

In essence, the Colosseum's design encapsulated core Roman values such as power, technological advancement, social order, cultural dominance, and the importance of public spectacle in maintaining political control and social cohesion.

You might ask - what was the Colosseum actually used for?

Well, the main purposes for which the Colosseum was used include:
Entertainment and spectacles:
Gladiatorial contests
Animal hunts
Mock naval battles
Re-enactments of famous battles
Public executions
Dramatic performances based on Classical mythology
Social and political functions:
A gathering place for Romans of all social classes
A venue for emperors to connect with the public and demonstrate their power
A place for citizens to voice grievances to those in government

The site was also used for religious purposes: - Religious sacrifices were held before and after gladiatorial fights. The site also was later used as a Christian shrine.

The site was also used to demonstrate Roman technological and engineering prowess.
The Colosseum also served as a symbol of Roman power and cultural dominance - it hosted markets and vendors selling goods to spectators, and fostered a sense of shared Roman identity and pride in the empire's achievements

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the site was used for Housing, Workshops, as Quarters for a religious order, as a military Fortress, and even a Quarry for building materials.  Today it is a major tourist attraction, as well as a cultural landmark.  It is also used as a site for archaeological research and historical education.  And of course, a Venue for special events (such as., the Pope's "Way of the Cross" procession on Good Friday)

As a major tourist attraction, the Colosseum plays a crucial role in modern Rome's cultural identity and economy, drawing millions of visitors each year to experience its grandeur and historical significance.

In essence, the Colosseum has become a powerful emblem of Roman civilization, encapsulating its technological achievements, social structures, cultural values, and enduring influence on world history.

In other words, the Colosseum has thus served multiple purposes throughout its history, from a center of entertainment and political power in ancient Rome to a symbol of the city's enduring legacy in the modern era.

The events held in the Colosseum, particularly gladiatorial contests, reflected Roman ideals of courage, discipline, and martial prowess. The structure itself embodied Roman values of grandeur and public entertainment.

Emperors used the Colosseum to consolidate power and gain popular support. By providing grand entertainment, they could appease the public and assert their dominance, embodying the concept of "bread and circuses".

The Colosseum also showcased Rome's ability to assimilate different cultures. Its diverse architectural influences and the variety of spectacles it hosted (including exotic animals from far-flung parts of the empire) demonstrated Rome's cultural reach.
Enduring legacy and inspiration:

Even in its ruined state, the Colosseum continues to be an iconic symbol of Rome's past glory and influence. It has inspired countless works of art, literature, and architecture throughout history.

And as a major tourist attraction, the Colosseum plays a crucial role in modern Rome's cultural identity and economy, drawing millions of visitors each year to experience its grandeur and historical significance.

In essence, the Colosseum has become a powerful emblem of Roman civilization, encapsulating its technological achievements, social structures, cultural values, and enduring influence on world history.

And remember - As the largest amphitheater ever built, the Colosseum showcased Rome's architectural and engineering prowess. Its massive scale, innovative design using arches and vaults, and sophisticated construction techniques demonstrated the empire's technological superiority.

Now I would leave my discussion of just the Coliseum, and delve into - well somewhat - one of the most influential books about the Roman Empire that certainly used The Coliseum as a background, and compare it with Poe’s poem The Coliseum.

You really cannot talk about the Coliseum from today’s standpoint without looking at The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon- often referred to as the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. 

After the previous American election, I mused that someone in the future will write a book with a similar title of The History of the Decline and Fall of the American Empire - because all powerful empires ultimately rise and fall.  But I digress

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire book is
a monumental historical work by Edward Gibbon, first published in six volumes between 1776 and 1788. This masterpiece chronicles the gradual disintegration of the Roman Empire over a period of nearly 1500 years.

The work begins with the reign of Marcus Aurelius in 180 AD and extends to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. This vast timespan allows Gibbon to explore the complex factors that led to Rome's decline.

Now Gibbon's approach was groundbreaking for its time. He relied heavily on primary sources and applied a critical, skeptical eye to historical accounts, setting a new standard for historical scholarship.

Not surprisingly the work is massive is size and scope, and has four main themes with thousands of supporting details - those themes are

The role of Christianity in weakening the Roman state
The impact of barbarian invasions
The decay of civic virtue and military discipline
The increasing influence of the Praetorian Guard in imperial politics

Gibbon's prose is renowned for its elegance and wit. His work not only transformed the study of ancient history but also influenced literature and political thought for centuries.

Gibbon's work provides crucial context for understanding Poe's poem. You see, while Gibbon offers a sweeping historical narrative, Poe's "The Coliseum" presents a poetic meditation on the ruins of Rome's greatest amphitheater. Both works grapple with themes of imperial decline and the transient nature of power, making them complementary pieces for exploring the fall of Rome.

In other words, Edward Gibbon's "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" and Edgar Allan Poe's "The Coliseum" both address the fall of Rome, but they do so in vastly different ways and with different purposes.

Now I will go into Poe’s The Colosseum in even more detail later, but obviously cannot go deeply into Gibbon’s work - is is 6 volumes with several thousand pages.

While both works deal with the decline of Rome, Gibbon's work is a comprehensive historical analysis, whereas Poe's poem is a romantic meditation on the ruins of the Colosseum. Gibbon focuses on the gradual disintegration of the Roman Empire, examining political, social, and religious factors. Poe's poem, in contrast, uses the Colosseum as a symbol of lost grandeur and the transient nature of power.

The styles of the two works are markedly different. Gibbon's prose is known for its elegance, wit, and irony. He employs a rational, Enlightenment-era approach to history. Poe's poem is lyrical and emotive, typical of Romantic poetry, focusing on the emotional impact of the ruins.

The styles of the two works are also different:

Gibbon's prose is known for its elegance, wit, and irony. He employs a rational, Enlightenment-era approach to history.
Poe's poem is lyrical and emotive, typical of Romantic poetry, focusing on the emotional impact of the ruins.

I will certainly delve into the text of Poe’s The Coliseum later after more explanation that will aid your (and my) understanding, but what follows is a short passage - less than 50 words - from The Decline and Fall that might be helpful - I am not going to do the entire six volumes with its thousands of pages

In the commonwealths of Athens and Rome, the modest simplicity of private houses announced the equal condition of freedom; whilst the sovereignty of the people was represented in the majestic edifices designed to the public use; nor was this republican spirit totally extinguished by the introduction of wealth and monarchy. It was in works of national honor and benefit, that the most virtuous of the emperors affected to display their magnificence. The golden palace of Nero excited a just indignation, but the vast extent of ground which had been usurped by his selfish luxury was more nobly filled under the succeeding reigns by the Coliseum, the baths of Titus, the Claudian portico, and the temples dedicated to the goddess of Peace, and to the genius of Rome.  These monuments of architecture, the property of the Roman people, were adorned with the most beautiful productions of Grecian painting and sculpture; and in the temple of Peace, a very curious library was open to the curiosity of the learned.  At a small distance from thence was situated the Forum of Trajan. It was surrounded by a lofty portico, in the form of a quadrangle, into which four triumphal arches opened a noble and spacious entrance: in the centre arose a column of marble, whose height, of one hundred and ten feet, denoted the elevation of the hill that had been cut away. This column, which still subsists in its ancient beauty, exhibited an exact representation of the Dacian victories of its founder. The veteran soldier contemplated the story of his own campaigns, and by an easy illusion of national vanity, the peaceful citizen associated himself to the honors of the triumph. All the other quarters of the capital, and all the provinces of the empire, were embellished by the same liberal spirit of public magnificence, and were filled with ampitheatres, theatres, temples, porticoes, triumphal arches, baths and aqueducts, all variously conducive to the health, the devotion, and the pleasures of the meanest citizen.

So you can probably tell from this relatively brief passage that The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire contains a great deal of detail.

Gibbon's prose is known for its elegance, wit, and irony. He employs a rational, Enlightenment-era approach to history.

Poe's poem is lyrical and emotive, typical of Romantic poetry, focusing on the emotional impact of the ruins.

Gibbon's "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" remains a monumental work, despite some of its conclusions being challenged by modern scholarship. Its comprehensive scope, analytical approach, and elegant prose have ensured its lasting influence on historical writing and understanding of the Roman Empire's decline.

Gibbon presents several key arguments in his work - He controversially argued that the rise of Christianity weakened the Roman state. Not surprisingly, Gibbon’s treatment of Christianity was highly controversial among his contemporaries: It is said that his work "met with strenuous objections from the Church”. Gibbon was criticized for attributing the fall of Rome partly to the rise of Christianity, arguing it fostered "indifference to earthly life" and weakened the "traditional Roman spirit”.  For example, his perceived hostility towards Christianity in chapters 15 and 16 of his work "drew the ire of many among the devout”.

Gibbon also believed that Roman society lost its traditional values and discipline. Gibbon also examined the impact of external pressures on the empire, such as barbarian invasions. And he highlighted the increasing influence of the Praetorian Guard and other factors leading to political instability.

Gibbon’s approach was groundbreaking for its time. He relied heavily on primary sources, applying critical analysis to historical accounts.  His work covers a vast timespan, focusing on several crucial periods:

Gibbon's "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" remains a monumental work, despite some of its conclusions being challenged by modern scholarship. Its comprehensive scope, analytical approach, and elegant prose have ensured its lasting influence on historical writing and understanding of the Roman Empire's decline.

Now one area that I think is especially interesting is Gibbon's use of irony compared to Poe's style of irony  in "The Coliseum”

Gibbon employs a subtle, intellectual irony throughout his work, often to critique historical figures or events.

Poe's poem, in contrast, uses a more romantic and emotive approach, with less overt irony.

Gibbon's irony is described as "idiosyncratic" and provides "an entertaining moral commentary on both ancient Rome and eighteenth-century Great Britain". This contrasts with Poe's more straightforward, lyrical approach to the subject.

Gibbon viewed history through an Enlightenment lens, emphasizing reason and progress. His work "advocates a rationalist and progressive view of history," challenging traditional religious explanations for historical events.

Getting back to Poe’’s poem, ”The Coliseum” - Poe definitely used rich symbolism throughout the poem to enhance its narrative - after all, The Coliseum itself symbolizes the grandeur and decline of the Roman Empire. Natural elements like reeds, thistles, and lizards in the poem represent nature reclaiming human constructions. The contrast between gold and marble versus decay symbolizes the transience of power and wealth.
These symbols contribute to the poem's themes of time's passage and the impermanence of human achievements.

The poem therefore conveys several key messages:

The inevitability of decline: Even the mightiest empires fall.
The enduring power of ruins: Despite physical decay, the Coliseum still inspires awe and contemplation.
The cyclical nature of history: The ruins speak of both past glory and future potential.
The contrast between human ambition and mortality: The Coliseum represents both human greatness and its limitations.

As for setting and themes -
The setting of the Coliseum is crucial to the poem's themes:
It provides a tangible link between past and present, allowing for reflection on time's passage.
The ruins create an atmosphere of melancholy and contemplation, supporting the poem's philosophical tone.
The contrast between the Coliseum's former glory and current state underscores themes of decay and transience.

In Poe’s portrayal of the Coliseum, he main concern is obviously not primarily historical accuracy.  Poe's portrayal focuses more on its symbolic and emotional significance. He emphasizes the Coliseum's role as a "reliquary of lofty contemplation" rather than its historical function as an arena.
Poe personifies the ruins, giving them a voice that speaks of enduring power and influence. The poem is more concerned with the Coliseum's metaphorical meaning than its architectural or historical details.

In other words, Poe uses the Coliseum as a powerful symbol to explore themes of time, decay, and the lasting impact of human achievements, prioritizing emotional and philosophical resonance over strict historical accuracy.

In his poem, Poe not only deals with decay, but expresses his views on mortality.

"Crumbling walls," "tottering arcades," and "mouldering plinths" symbolize the inevitable decay of all things. The contrast between past glory and present ruin ("Here, where the mimic eagle glared in gold, / A midnight vigil holds the swarthy bat") emphasizes the transient nature of life and power.

This can be interpreted as a form of decay that reminds readers of their own mortality and the impermanence of human achievements.

The ruins in the poem also carry several symbolic meanings:
They represent the fall of great civilizations and the cyclical nature of history. The Colosseum serves as a "reliquary / Of lofty contemplation," suggesting ruins as repositories of wisdom and reflection. And the ruins can be viewed as symbolizing the enduring power of art and human creation, even in decay.

Poe also employs light and darkness to enhance the poem's themes:
"Dim Night" and "wan light of the horned moon" create an atmosphere of mystery and melancholy. Darkness symbolizes the passage of time and the obscuring of past glories. The interplay of light and shadow reflects the poem's exploration of memory and forgetting.

The poem juxtaposes past grandeur ("where on golden throne the monarch loll'd") with present desolation. The ruins demonstrate that even the mightiest empires are subject to time's ravages. Paradoxically, the poem suggests that in decay, the Colosseum retains a different kind of power:

"We rule the hearts of mightiest men: — we rule / With a despotic sway all giant minds.”

In the process, the speaker undergoes a transformation that reflects broader themes: Initially described as weary from "pilgrimage," the speaker becomes "an altered, and an humble man.” This transformation suggests the humbling effect of confronting historical grandeur and decay. The speaker's journey mirrors the poem's exploration of time's passage, moving from seeking knowledge to gaining wisdom through contemplation of the ruins.

"The Coliseum" uses the ruined amphitheater as a powerful symbol to explore themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the enduring impact of human achievements, even in decay. Poe's vivid imagery and contemplative tone create a meditation on history, power, and the human condition.

Hopefully, you have come to realize that the ruins in the poem carry several symbolic meanings largely because they represent the fall of great civilizations and the cyclical nature of history.

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