Third Tier

Explore the Colosseum's Third Tier in Rome, Italy, revealing the historical seating of Roman society and panoramic views of the ancient city.

Overview

Stepping into the Colosseum, an architectural marvel in the heart of Rome, is to journey back two millennia to the vibrant and complex world of the Roman Empire. Within this iconic amphitheater, every seat told a story, meticulously assigned according to social status. The 'Third Tier,' often associated with the maenianum secundum, represented a crucial segment of Roman society. While the emperor, senators, and elite equestrians occupied the lower, more prestigious levels, the Third Tier provided a vantage point for the burgeoning middle class – merchants, officials, and skilled workers who were integral to Rome's daily life.

Today, visitors can experience parts of this historical elevation, which offers not only a glimpse into the social stratification of ancient Rome but also breathtaking panoramic views of the arena and the surrounding Eternal City. Though access to the uppermost sections of the Colosseum was historically restricted, special tours now allow travelers to explore these rarely seen heights, revealing preserved corridors and unique perspectives that have been inaccessible for decades.

History & Cultural Background

The Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was completed in 80 AD under Emperor Titus, following the vision of his father, Vespasian. It was a monumental gift to the Roman people, designed to host gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public spectacles, seating an estimated 50,000 to 87,000 spectators. The seating arrangement within the Colosseum was a physical manifestation of Rome's rigidly stratified society.

The lowest and most privileged tier, the Podium, was reserved for the Emperor, Vestal Virgins, and senators, offering the best views of the action. Above them, the Second Tier accommodated the Roman aristocracy and equestrians. The Third Tier, or Maenianum Secundum, was designated for the intermediate categories of Roman citizens. This included merchants, officials, and skilled workers – a vital part of the Roman economy and military. Higher still, the Fourth and Fifth Tiers, sometimes collectively referred to as the 'attic' or summa cavea, were typically for the general public, including women (with the exception of Vestal Virgins), slaves, and the poorest citizens, who endured higher, less comfortable seating with more limited views of the arena itself, though still partaking in the grand spectacle.

What Makes It Special

What makes the Third Tier of the Colosseum particularly special is its dual perspective. From here, ancient Romans had a clear, albeit elevated, view of the brutal and captivating games unfolding in the arena below. It offered a balance – close enough to feel the intensity, yet distant enough to encompass the scale of the entire spectacle.

For modern visitors, the Third Tier and the wider 'attic' levels (which can include the 3rd, 4th, and 5th tiers) provide unparalleled panoramic views. From this height, one can truly appreciate the architectural grandeur of the Colosseum's interior, gazing down at the intricate Hypogeum (the underground network of tunnels) and the vast arena floor. Beyond the amphitheater itself, the elevated position reveals a sweeping vista of Rome, including landmarks such as the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Arch of Constantine, and the Temple of Venus and Rome.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Life in the Third Tier during the Roman Empire was undoubtedly lively. Spectators from this level would have contributed to the cacophony of 50,000 voices, cheering, shouting, and expressing their approval or displeasure during the games. It was a place where ordinary citizens could momentarily forget their daily lives, united in the shared experience of the spectacles. Archaeologists have found evidence suggesting that people even prepared and ate meals, such as chicken and cereals, on makeshift stoves in the galleries, and rudimentary toilet facilities were also present.

The segregation of seating wasn't just traditional; it was enforced by law, including Augustus's Lex Julia Theatralis. Guards ensured that individuals sat according to their social standing, even dictating what attire was appropriate for each section. While the marble seats of the elite were often inscribed with names, those in the higher tiers sat on stone benches, or in the case of the very highest, on wooden seating that has not survived. A fire in 217 AD, likely caused by lightning, severely damaged the upper levels, and later earthquakes also contributed to their collapse, necessitating various restorations over centuries.

Visitor Perspective

Today, experiencing the Third Tier offers a profound connection to this ancient past. After being closed for over 40 years, the higher levels of the Colosseum have reopened, though access is typically through specialized guided tours, separate from standard entry tickets. These tours often utilize a panoramic lift to reach the third level, followed by steep staircases for access to the even higher fourth and fifth tiers, offering a unique opportunity to walk through well-preserved galleries. The limited access helps preserve these fragile areas while providing a less crowded and more intimate exploration.

From these heights, visitors gain a unique 'classroom' perspective on the Colosseum's architecture, observing the arches, columns, and terraces that supported this magnificent structure. It's an opportunity to imagine the throngs of Roman citizens who once filled these seats, sharing in the collective excitement of the games, and taking in the same expansive views that have inspired awe for centuries.