In spite of its glorious design, the Colosseum was built largely for the distraction of the masses in a cynical age, providing dramatic and often gruesome entertainments.

• 尽管设计得金碧辉煌，建造罗马竞技场的主要目的是，在愤世嫉俗的时代中，供人们忘情娱乐，演出戏剧张力十足、时令人毛骨悚然的娱乐节目。