The Colosseum stands as the ultimate symbol of Roman engineering and power. Emperor Vespasian commissioned the massive structure as a gift to the Roman people. Furthermore, it hosted brutal games that entertained the masses for centuries. Consequently, this ancient amphitheater remains the largest ever built. Explore these fascinating details about the arena of death.
Colosseum
The ancient Romans originally called the structure the Flavian Amphitheatre. Uniquely, the name “Colosseum” came later, likely because of a colossal statue of Emperor Nero that stood nearby.
Engineers designed the arena to flood with water for mock naval battles. Specifically, they pumped water into the basin so ships could wage war right in the center of Rome.
The massive stone building took only eight years to construct. Remarkably, tens of thousands of slaves worked day and night to finish the project between 72 AD and 80 AD.
It possessed a giant retractable awning known as the velarium. Sailors from the Roman navy operated this massive canvas roof to shade the spectators from the hot Italian sun.
The exit passages were known as “vomitoria.” Although the name sounds disgusting, it simply referred to the way the corridors “spewed” people out into the streets rapidly.
Popes and aristocrats stripped the marble facade for other buildings. For instance, architects used stone from the Colosseum to build parts of St. Peter’s Basilica and various palaces.
Emperors often entered the arena to fight as gladiators. Most notably, Emperor Commodus enjoyed slaughtering animals and fighting opponents who fought with dull weapons to ensure his safety.
The hypogeum, a complex underground network, existed beneath the floor. Consequently, slaves used pulleys and elevators to lift wild animals and scenery through trapdoors for surprise appearances.
Entry to the games was completely free for all Roman citizens. The Emperor provided the entertainment and often gave out free food to gain popularity with the public.
A massive earthquake in 1349 caused the south side to collapse. Therefore, the iconic “broken” shape we see today resulted from a natural disaster rather than just old age.
Over 400,000 people and one million animals died inside the walls. Sadly, the games decimated entire species of wildlife from North Africa, including elephants and lions.
Botanists have identified over 350 different species of plants growing in the ruins. Interestingly, the seeds likely hitched a ride on the fur of the animals brought there centuries ago.
The Catholic Church saved the building by declaring it a sacred site. Specifically, Pope Benedict XIV consecrated the arena to the memory of Christian martyrs to stop the looting.
It could hold up to 80,000 spectators at its peak capacity. Thus, the crowd management system was so efficient that the entire stadium could empty in minutes.
Finally, the Colosseum remains the most popular tourist attraction in Italy. Millions of visitors walk through the arches every year to stand where the gladiators once fought.
