- Tourist Information
- Map
- Why is the Colosseum famous?
- What is the history of the Colosseum and why was it built?
- What is the Colosseum made of and what architectural details does it have?
- Can the Colosseum arena be flooded with water?
- What events took place in the Colosseum?
- What were the gladiator fights like at the Colosseum?
- The sunset of the age of gladiators and Rome
- What are the best times to visit the Colosseum to avoid the tourist crowds?
- What Legends does the Colosseum have?
- Legend of the Name “Colosseum”
- Nero’s Golden Bricks
- Finger symbol legend
- Ghosts of the Gladiators
- Secret Prayers of the Monks
- Marriage in the Colosseum
- The story of Saint Francesca Romana
- The Curse of Losing Fingers
- Nero’s Playing Days
- The theft of Saint Andrew’s crucifix
- Animals in the Coliseum
Tourist Information
| Construction Year | 80 AD |
| Type | Ancient Amphitheatre |
| Visiting Hours / Tickets | I recommend going after 15.00 to visit the Colosseum. During the summer mornings, the queue is very long because the groups usually come in the morning. Generally, the Colosseum is open between 10:30 and 16:30 (winter) or 19:30 (summer) (last entry – one hour before closing time) Closed: January 1, May 1, December 25 Access to the Colosseum is possible only by booking the ticket in advance, online. Check the Colosseum’s official website for up-to-date program and ticket information. |
| Website | https://parcocolosseo.it/en/ |
| Tourist attractions closed by | Arch of Constantine Roman Forum Palatine Museum on Palatine Hill Domus Aurea (remains of Emperor Nero’s grand 3-floor villa complex) Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo |
| Getting there | Metro: Line B “Colosseo” Bus: Line 51, 75, 81, 85, 87, 118 Tram: Line 3 |
| Location | Piazza del Colosseo, Roma RM, Italy, Europe |
Map
Why is the Colosseum famous?
The Colosseum is a symbol of Rome and the Roman Empire and is one of the first amphitheaters built in the world. It is one of the best-known ancient structures in the world and represents an important historical and cultural period.
The Colosseum is known for its role in hosting gladiator fights. These events drew crowds thousands of years ago.
The Colosseum was included in the UNESCO World Heritage, thus recognizing its cultural and historical value for all of humanity.
The Colosseum is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. About 7 million tourists visit the Colosseum each year, making it a major attraction for international tourism.
What is the history of the Colosseum and why was it built?
The Colosseum, also known as the Amphitheatrum Flavium, is an ancient amphitheater located in the center of Rome. It was built during the Flavian dynasty, by Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 80 AD and is one of the largest and most famous Roman amphitheaters. It was used for public spectacles such as gladiator fights and theatrical performances.
Then, the amphitheater was called the Colosseum, a word that came from the Latin “colosseus”, which means colossal. This referred to the gigantic statue of the emperor Nero (Nero’s Colossus) that had previously been built near the site of the Colosseum. This bronze statue of Nero measured 100-120 Roman feet (37 m) tall and became a landmark in the center of Rome.
The architecture of the Roman Colosseum illustrates the use of one of Rome’s most famous inventions, concrete.
There was even an emperor who greatly enjoyed participating in the gladiator fights held at the Colosseum, Emperor Commodus. Commodus was the emperor featured in the Russell Crowe film Gladiator. The Roman emperors and the Colosseum played a huge role in the history of the persecution of Christians.
The most important amphitheater, before the Colosseum, was the first stone-built amphitheater in Rome, called the Amphitheater of Statilius Taurus. It was built in 29 BC, in the Campus Martius, by the consul Titus Statilius Taurus during the reign of Emperor Augustus. This amphitheater was completely destroyed in AD 64. because of the Great Fire of Rome.
What is the Colosseum made of and what architectural details does it have?
Tuff (a calcareous stone, formed by the accumulation and consolidation of ash from a volcano), red clay brick (a smaller and thinner type of brick than that used today), and opus Caementicium ( a kind of concrete), which represented the “adhesive”.
The oval construction is no longer whole, parts of it have collapsed during several earthquakes over time.
The amphitheater has over 80 entrances and can accommodate 50,000 spectators at a single show. Other sources say it could hold 87,000 spectators.
More than 100,000 cubic meters of marble were used in the construction of the Colosseum. It is said that some of the marble from the facade of the Colosseum was taken out and used in the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica.
It has 240 perfectly symmetrical arches, distributed over three levels, a length of 186 meters, a width of 150 meters, and a height of 55 meters.
The hypogeum was located under the wooden floor and was an underground network built on two levels with numerous tunnels and cages, where gladiators and lions were kept before battle.
Can the Colosseum arena be flooded with water?
The sealed arena could be flooded with water at any time, becoming a “huge pool”, where gladiators fought from aboard some boats and crocodiles roamed in the water.
What events took place in the Colosseum?
The Colosseum hosted a variety of events, including gladiator fights, theatrical performances, wild animal hunts, and re-enactments of famous battles. Famous gladiators such as Spartacus fought in this amphitheater.
In the 1st-4th centuries, thousands of Christians were martyred here. They were crucified, torn apart by beasts, or burned at the stake.
The history of the Colosseum began in Rome when the first gladiator fight was recorded in 264 BC. Decimus Junius Brutus Scaeva fought a gladiatorial fight to honor the memory of his deceased father. The history of gladiatorial combat and the Colosseum is linked to a funeral.
What were the gladiator fights like at the Colosseum?
Gladiator games were increasingly popular with the crowd. At first gladiator fights were held in small wooden arenas. The word “arena” means sand, a reference to the thick layer of sand on the floor that was meant to absorb the blood. But as the popularity of the games grew, more and more amphitheaters were built to host the games. The amphitheaters were round or oval. Their design was taken from the joining of two wooden theaters (the word “amphi” means “both sides”).
Originally, the Gladiator Games were a way to please the Roman gods and prevent the fall of Rome.
The sunset of the age of gladiators and Rome
The gladiator fights at the Colosseum ended during the reign of Emperor Honorius. Stilicho defeated the Goths at Verona in June 403, and the victory was celebrated with great pomp, followed by gladiatorial games in the Colosseum. In the midst of the bloodshed, from the stands, the voice of a monk was heard asking to stop the fighting in the name of Christ. There was an outcry and he was stoned to death by the angry mob. He was found to be an Egyptian monk named Telemachus. The death of Telemachus put an end to gladiator fights. Emperor Honorius decreed an end to the fighting in AD 399.
The history of the Colosseum is heading for decline. The marble from the outer walls was chipped away and even the iron spikes were taken out and used to make weapons (the remaining holes can still be seen today). The Colosseum had various uses from shelter for vagrants to shelter for animals. Also, the Colosseum was also used as a home, workshop, construction site, shelter for religious people, fortress, quarry, or Christian altar.
The decline of Rome began on August 24, 410 AD. when the city was attacked by the Visigoths under Alaric I. The Visigoths vandalized several aqueducts that were responsible for supplying Rome with water. Without access to water, the city was no longer able to function properly. The Romans abandoned the city and Rome’s golden age ended.
What are the best times to visit the Colosseum to avoid the tourist crowds?
The best times to avoid the tourist crowds are usually early morning or late evening. Visits during the week, outside of weekends, can also be less crowded.
What Legends does the Colosseum have?
Legend of the Name “Colosseum”
Legend has it that the name “Colosseum” comes from a colossal statue (Colossus) of Nero that was nearby. Over time, the monument became more famous than the statue that gave it its name.
Nero’s Golden Bricks
A legend says that the Roman Emperor Nero ordered that gold bricks be used in the construction of the Colosseum to make it shine. Although this is a popular story, there is no hard evidence that this happened.
Finger symbol legend
Emperors are said to have raised their thumbs up or down to decide the fate of fallen gladiators. Emperors were usually swayed by the will of the public. However, there is no evidence to support this legend.
Ghosts of the Gladiators
There are stories of apparitions and ghosts of gladiators haunting the Colosseum. There is also said to be a curse of the gladiators. The curse would have been the reason why part of the structure of the Colosseum collapsed.
Secret Prayers of the Monks
In the Middle Ages, the Colosseum was used as a place of Christian worship. Monks are said to have secretly gathered there to pray and avoid religious persecution. This period of history left an imprint on how the Colosseum was perceived as a symbol of Christianity.
Marriage in the Colosseum
The Colosseum has been the site of spectacular public marriages in the past. These wedding ceremonies added to the romance and history of the place.
The story of Saint Francesca Romana
Legend has it that Santa Francesca Romana, a Christian saint from Rome, visited the Colosseum and prayed there to heal the sick.
The Curse of Losing Fingers
It is said that people who steal pieces of bricks or stones from the Colosseum are cursed and will lose their fingers or have bad luck.
Nero’s Playing Days
Emperor Nero is said to have organized extended gaming days and violence in the Colosseum that included gladiator fights and massive executions. These events would have led to a period of poverty and suppression in Rome, and the Colosseum would have been associated with its tyranny.
The theft of Saint Andrew’s crucifix
During the Crusades, the crucifix of Saint Andrew was allegedly stolen from the Colosseum and taken to Scotland. It is often mentioned in legends and stories about the history of the Crusades.
Animals in the Coliseum
Fights with wild animals such as lions and tigers were as popular as gladiator fights. There are legends and accounts of how these animals were brought into the arena and how they were prepared for the fights.
