The Colosseum History and Facts

The Colosseum: History and Facts

In the heart of Rome, Italy, is a massive amphitheater known as the Colosseum. Built during the reign of the Roman Empire.

The Colosseum: History and Facts

When was it built?

In the year 72 AD, Emperor Vespasian began building the Colosseum. It was completed in 80 AD, eight years later.

How big was it?

It was a massive Colosseum. There were 50,000 seats available. At 620 feet long, 512 feet wide, and 158 feet tall, it occupies an area of around 6 acres. The Colosseum was built using more over 1.1 million tons of stone, concrete, and bricks.

Seating

Rome imposed laws on where individuals could sit in the Colosseum. The senators were assigned the best seats. The riders or high-ranking government officials trailed after them. The troops and common Roman citizens were seated a little higher up. Ultimately, the ladies and slaves were seated at the summit of the stadium.

Emperor’s Box

The emperor, who occupied the Emperor’s Box, had the best seat in the house. Naturally, the emperor was frequently the one covering the cost of the games. This served as a means for the emperor to maintain the goodwill and happiness of the populace.

Underground Passages

The hypogeum was a maze of subterranean passageways located beneath the Colosseum. Gladiators, animals, and performers could all emerge out of nowhere in the center of the arena because to these tunnels. Trap doors would be used to incorporate scenery and other special effects.

Construction

Stone was used to build the Colosseum’s walls. To maintain their strength while reducing the weight, they employed several arches. There were stairs leading up to four distinct levels. Entry to every level was strictly restricted. Sand was spread across the wooden floor of the Colosseum.

Colossus

The Colossus of Nero, a massive 30-foot bronze statue of the emperor Nero, stood outside the Colosseum. Later on, the Sun god Sol Invictus was sculpted from it. According to some historians, the Colossus is where the Colosseum got its name.

The Velarium

The velarium, a retractable awning, protected spectators from the rain and the scorching sun. To hold the awning, 240 wooden masts were positioned around the summit of the stadium. When necessary, Roman sailors would erect the velarium.

Entrances

There were 76 entrances and exits on the Colosseum. This intended to assist thousands of people in the event of an emergency, such as a fire, in getting out of the arena. Vomitoria were the passageways leading to the seating sections. Each public entrance had a unique number, and attendees were given tickets that indicated their exact entry location.

Why is it spelled that way?

The Amphitheatrum Flavium was the Colosseum’s original name, but the Colosseum soon took over. “Coliseum” is the typical word for a big amphitheater that is utilized for entertainment purposes, such as sports. But when speaking about the one in Rome, “Colosseum” is spelled with capital letters.

Facts about the Colosseum

• Certain classes of people were banned from attending the Colosseum. They included former gladiators, actors, and gravediggers.
• There were 32 different trap doors underneath the floor of the stadium.
• The first ever games at the Colosseum lasted for 100 days and included more than 3,000 gladiator fights.
• The west exit was called the Gate of Death. This was where dead gladiators were carried out of the arena.
• The southern side of the Colosseum collapsed during a large earthquake in 847.

Read also: The City of Pompeii in ancient Rome