Zes penningen met stadions 1580

Here we see “Zes penningen met stadions,” or Six Medals with Stadiums, an engraving made by Onofrio Panvinio in the 16th century. Panvinio was an Italian historian and antiquarian whose work often focused on the city of Rome. In this engraving, Panvinio depicts a series of ancient Roman stadiums, each commemorated on a coin or medal. More than architectural renderings, these images evoke the spectacle and power of the Roman Empire. The stadiums were central to Roman social life, serving as venues for gladiatorial contests, public games, and other large-scale events. These events were carefully orchestrated to reinforce social hierarchies and political authority. Panvinio's work, created during the Renaissance, reflects a renewed interest in classical antiquity. By documenting these ancient structures, he participates in a cultural project aimed at reclaiming and celebrating a lost heritage. These images ask us to consider the legacy of Rome and reflect on how societies construct and memorialize their identities through art and architecture.