Colosseum

Explore the Colosseum in Rome, Italy – the iconic Flavian Amphitheatre. Discover its ancient history, architectural marvels, and gladiatorial past.

Overview

Standing proudly in the heart of Rome, Italy, the Colosseum is an iconic elliptical amphitheater that continues to captivate millions of visitors annually. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, it is the largest ancient amphitheater ever constructed and remains the largest standing amphitheater in the world today. This monumental structure, built from stone, concrete, and tuff, once served as the primary venue for public spectacles in ancient Rome, including gladiatorial contests and animal hunts. Its enduring presence symbolizes the grandeur and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire, drawing people from across the globe to witness its majestic ruins and delve into its storied past.

History & Cultural Background

The construction of the Colosseum began between 70 and 72 CE under Emperor Vespasian, the first ruler of the Flavian dynasty. The chosen site held significant symbolic meaning, as it replaced an artificial lake that was part of Emperor Nero's opulent Golden House. Vespasian's decision to transform Nero's private grounds into a public amphitheater was a populist gesture, returning an area previously appropriated by a tyrannical emperor to the Roman people. The Colosseum's structural framework and facade primarily utilized travertine stone, with volcanic tufa for secondary walls and concrete for the inner bowl and arcade vaults.

The amphitheater was officially dedicated in 80 CE by Vespasian's son, Emperor Titus, with a grand inaugural ceremony that featured 100 days of games. Further modifications, including the addition of the uppermost story, were completed by Emperor Domitian in 82 CE. For nearly four centuries, the Colosseum was central to Roman public life and entertainment, hosting elaborate spectacles that reflected the Empire's power and served as a means of social control. However, after 523 CE, records of events ceased, leading to a period of decline. During the Middle Ages, it was repurposed, serving as a church, a fortress for prominent Roman families, and notably, a quarry for building materials used in other Roman structures like St. Peter's Basilica. Preservation efforts began in the 19th century, recognizing its immense historical and architectural value. In 1980, the Colosseum, along with the historic center of Rome, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, solidifying its importance as an asset to all humanity.

What Makes It Special

The Colosseum is a remarkable feat of ancient Roman engineering and architecture, distinguishing itself as the first freestanding amphitheater, unlike many earlier ones built into hillsides for support. Its elliptical shape measures approximately 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters) and could accommodate an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. The exterior boasts three stories encircled by arcades, framed by engaged columns in ascending orders: Doric on the first level, Ionic on the second, and Corinthian on the third. This classic arrangement influenced Renaissance architecture.

A significant feature was the retractable canvas awning, known as the velarium, manipulated by hundreds of Roman sailors, which shielded spectators from the sun. Beneath the arena floor lay the intricate hypogeum, a network of tunnels, chambers, and trapdoors where gladiators, animals, and stage props were kept before being brought into the arena via a sophisticated system of pulleys and elevators. This underground complex was added by Emperor Domitian, allowing for even more elaborate spectacles.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

• The Colosseum was paid for with plunder from Titus's sack of Jerusalem in 70 CE, and much of the construction was carried out by enslaved Jewish people.
• During the inaugural games, historical accounts suggest that around 9,000 wild animals were killed.
• While often depicted as brutal fights to the death, gladiatorial contests were highly systematized performances by expertly trained athletes, and not every fight ended fatally. Many gladiators were professionals, some even volunteers, despite their low social status.
• The name "Colosseum" likely derives from the colossal bronze statue of Emperor Nero that once stood nearby, which was itself modeled after the Colossus of Rhodes.
• It is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Over the centuries, the Colosseum endured significant damage from lightning, earthquakes, and particularly, extensive scavenging for its building materials.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Colosseum is a profound journey into ancient history. To ensure a smooth experience, it is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues and guarantee entry. Many tickets offer combined access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, providing a comprehensive exploration of ancient Rome's archaeological heart. Various ticket options are available, including those that grant access to the arena floor, allowing visitors to stand where gladiators once fought, and the underground hypogeum, revealing the hidden mechanisms of the spectacles. Guided tours are also popular for deeper insights into its history and architecture, sometimes offering access to areas not available with standard tickets. The Colosseum opens early, typically at 8:30 AM, and arriving shortly after opening or in the late afternoon can help avoid the largest crowds. The main entrance is located at Piazza del Colosseo, near the Arch of Constantine.