How did the design of the Roman Colosseum Colosseum give form to its public function and to its symbolic meaning?

Vitruvius considered that architecture needed to satisfy three requirements, 'commodity', 'firmness' and 'delight'. This level of thought is certainly evident in the form of the Colosseum.
The design of the Colosseum had to fulfil various aspects of function. The architect provided space through the use of the oval shape, which could fit more people around the edges of the arena. Visibility was enhanced through the use of the staged seating plan and the velarium, which provided shade from the sun. The differing levels of society were then segregated around this with slaves and women being…