The Roman Colosseum

Roman Coliseum

A little history of the Colosseum

The construction of the Flavio Amphitheater, better known as the Roman Colosseum, began around A.D. 71. under Emperor Vespasian. The Colosseum was built in a valley, after having dried a small lake that Nerone used for the Domus Aurea, between the hills of Palatine, Esquilino and Celio. Emperor Titus inaugurated the Colosseum in 80, but 2 years later they finished the works that included the last floor.
The Colosseum became the largest Roman amphitheater, with an elliptical structure 188 meters long, 156 meters wide and 57 meters high. Made of brick and covered with travertine, it was divided into five levels with a capacity for more than 50,000 people. Their areas were delimited depending on the social class, the closer they were to the arena, the greater the range to which they belonged.

In the nineteenth century, settlement and remodeling of the Colosseum were carried out, and despite the fact that during the Second World War it suffered the effects of the attacks, this majestic and imposing monument has become a cultural asset of the city and the world surviving the Time already wars.

What are the Colosseum today?

Even though today the Roman Colosseum is in ruins, it continues to impress us with its great size and beauty and that is why since 2007 it is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

The Roman Colosseum is currently the symbol of Rome in the world, and has become over the years a historical and archaeological treasure capable of reminding us of the greatness of the Roman Empire. According to a calculation made by the Ministry of Culture, the Flavio Amphitheater receives 6 million visitors a year and ranks first among the most visited monuments in Italy.
Curiosities of the Colosseum

Did you know that a 100-day party was organized for the inauguration of the Roman Colosseum and dozens of gladiators died there? In the year 80 AD the Roman Colosseum was inaugurated after three years of work. Dion Casio, historian, tells us that in the course of the opening games of the Colosseum, 9000 animals, both trained and wild, also died.

Did you know that the entrance to the Colosseum is used to enter 3 museums? With the entrance to the Roman Colosseum you can also enter the Palatine and the Roman Forum, it is also a valid ticket for 2 days from the first use.

The Roman Forum is a true sanctuary of Ancient Rome where once the basilicas, temples, the Senate Curia, the Speakers' Tribune or the House of the Vestals were erected. Currently we can see only its ruins but you can relive its history in each of these magnificent settings. On the valley of the Roman Forum is the Palatine Hill, where the ruins of the imperial residence are located whose construction was started by Augustus and finished by his successors, here you can tour the courtrooms, basilicas, underground galleries, etc. .

Why visit the Colosseum?

The Colosseum in Rome is part of the history of an empire that, for the pleasure of the inhabitants of this city, organized fights between gladiators or wild animals and fabulous shows called “naumachie”, which were real naval fights in the arena full of water . Under the Arena of the Colosseum, numerous halls and rooms housed the gladiators and the fierce beasts that could be taken to the center of the Arena thanks to a series of elevators and ramps.
 How can I visit the Colosseum?
The Colosseum, probably the most famous monument in the world, offers different options to people who wish to visit and discover the secrets of Ancient Rome. Given the high influx of visitors, the reservation is absolutely recommended to avoid long lines in the entrance. In addition to the simple entrance, which also allows you to visit the Roman Forum and the Palatine, it is possible to participate in a guided group tour, or in a visit to Imperial Rome that also includes a bus tour until you reach Plaza Venecia completely on archeological site.

Other attractions in the area

Very close to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum where you can not miss:

The two Arches of Triumph where the one of Tito stands out mainly for its historical importance and its size. Commemorates the triumph of Titus over the Jews in the year 70.

The Temple of the Dioscuros (Castor and Pollux) which with its three Corinthian columns have become an icon of Ancient Rome

The Basilica of Massenzio with its imposing structure

Casa delle Vestali with its evocative inner courtyard where we can recreate the life of the only female priestesses of Rome, whose mission was linked to the destiny of the city.

Very close to the Colosseum in Rome is also Castel Sant'Angelo, a fortress that also functioned as a palace, where the Popes spent long periods during difficult periods. For this reason it has noble rooms, enriched with elegant Renaissance frescoes.

Comments