The Colosseum needs no introduction as the world’s largest amphitheater. Although its appearance and purpose have transformed over the millennia, its might and glory remain intact. Here’s a historical sneak peek into the key events that shaped this monument. 

Pivotal moments in the Colosseum’s history 

Why was the Colosseum built? 

In 69 AD, when Vespasian quelled the Jewish rebellion and returned to Rome, he was determined to use part of the spoils of war for the Roman people. He chose to build a colossal structure that would offer entertainment and a place to socialize.

This grand structure would also be instrumental in showcasing the might of the empire and offering a place for the public to gather and be entertained. Vespasian also intended to erase the memory of Nero’s tyrannical rule by repurposing the site of his artificial lake for the Colosseum.

Site of the Colosseum

The Colosseum was built on the bed of an artificial lake by Emperor Nero. Vespasian also wanted to obliterate the former emperor’s memory from public imagination, egging him to build a structure grand enough to compete with Nero’s Golden House.

Vespasian also believed that choosing this site would protect the Colosseum from earthquakes, which it sadly did not.

Where is the Colosseum located? >

Inaugural games 

Titus kicked off the opening of the Colosseum with a 100-day series of events, known as the Inaugural Games. These games saw encounters between men and beasts, public executions and gladiatorial combat. Some reports say that nearly 5000 animals were killed during these games. These games were a festival of gore and a celebration of bloodshed, pointing to the ‘inventiveness of Roman cruelty’. 

Gladiators in the Colosseum

Gladiators (who were almost exclusively men) occupied one of the lowest rungs of society; their status was comparable to those of slaves. They were either prisoners of war or destitute desperate to eke out any kind of living. They had no agency over their bodies, were stripped of Roman citizenship, and were also not allowed to hold important public posts.  

In the arena, gladiators frequently donned metal helmets with elaborate emblems. They usually fought in pairs with spears and lances — and had an entourage around them — umpires, stretcher-bearers to whisk away the injured or dead, and blacksmiths for instant repairs. The fate of an injured gladiator would be decided by the audience; whether to be killed or spared.

Ludus Magnus

Situated a short distance away from the Colosseum was the Ludus Magnus, the gladiator training camp. It consisted of a three-storey building with barracks. Here, gladiators practiced their drills before they entered the Colosseum arena for the real bouts. The Ludus Magnus was connected to the Colosseum underground by way of a tunnel.

Animals that fought inside the Colosseum

The animals that fought inside the Colosseum ranged from exotic beasts like rhinoceros, hippos, antelopes, elephants and tigers, and even birds like cranes, to more domesticated ones like horses, deer, and bulls.

They were either pitted against one another, or they were made to attack men with weapons. In some cases, animals were also used as punishment agents, and set on convicts to kill them. 

Naval battles in the Colosseum

While there are accounts of mock sea battles, or naumachiae, having been staged in the Colosseum, it’s unclear how feasible it might have been to flood the Colosseum’s arena and drain it at will, or what kind of waterproofing solutions were employed.

Scholars believe that either a facility to support this kind of display would have been built elsewhere, or that these sea battles were merely symbolic. Some accounts state that ducts and channels released water for these displays before the complex underground system was built. During Domitian’s time around 90 AD, there was another water body constructed specifically for these aquatic displays, and the Colosseum ceased to host naval battles. 

Intriguing facts about the Colosseum >

Colosseum seating arrangement 

Level 1: The first level was the most prestigious, reserved for Senators. The Emperor sat in the Imperial box, a distinct position on one of the long sides of the arena. Vestal Virgins (high priestesses) were the only women permitted on this level, brushing shoulders with the upper echelons of Rome.

Level 2: The second tier accommodated knights and wealthy businessmen, reflecting their high status in Roman society.

Upper Tiers: The upper tiers were designated for the general populace, including common folk, slaves, and women.

An organized ticketing system likely existed, with patrons receiving small wooden tokens that indicated their seat numbers and the exit routes.

Restoration of the Roman Colosseum

Over centuries, the Colosseum has withstood damage from earthquakes, pilfering of marble, and general decay. However, in the 21st century, public and private forces have joined hands to refurbish and maintain this iconic monument. As of 2016, the Colosseum has been cleared of its grime, and dirt accumulations and structural fractures have been fixed. 

Who takes care of the Colosseum today? 

While the Italian state hoists a fair share of monument upkeep, the scale of intervention required far exceeds the capacities of the government sometimes. In these cases, individuals or private companies pitch in to help. For instance, the Italian fashion company Tods helped restore the hypogeum, or Underground, by donating close to $25 million.

Frequently asked questions

• Who built the Colosseum in Rome?
  The patron of the Colosseum was Emperor Vespasian, who laid the foundation stones of the Colosseum in 69 AD. It was completed by his son Titus in 80 AD.

  
  

• How old is the Roman Colosseum?
  The Roman Colosseum is close to 2000 years old, having seen a rich evolution from a past battleground to a present-day tourist attraction.

  
  

• Did Roman emperors live in the Colosseum?
  No, the Colosseum was used as an amphitheater by Roman emperors to stage gladiatorial combats, animal fights, public executions, etc. However, in the 12th and 13th centuries, Roman families like the Annibaldi and the Frangipanis converted part of the Colosseum into a fort. 

  
  

• Were there executions in the Colosseum?
  Yes, the Colosseum saw public executions of thieves, murderers, and war criminals. They were sometimes stoned or killed by half-starved wild animals.

  
  

• What used to happen in the Colosseum?
  Typically, a day in the amphitheater saw animal encounters in the morning, executions by noon, and gladiator fights in the late afternoon/evening. 

  
  

• What did the Rome Colosseum originally look like?
  The original Colosseum was an elliptical amphitheater that could host anywhere between 50,000-80,000 spectators. It had about 80 entrances, of which four were reserved for aristocrats, priests, and the upper members of society. It had 80 arches on the ground floor. The arena measured 278 by 177 feet.

  
  

• What materials were used to construct the Colosseum?
  The most prominent material used in the Colosseum's construction is travertine limestone. Another crucial material was tufo, a volcanic rock. Bricks were also used for the upper levels of the Colosseum, particularly for vaults and arches.

  
  

• How did the Roman Colosseum break?
  The Colosseum suffered damage from numerous earthquakes that shook its foundations, starting with the earthquake in 422 AD. The earthquakes of 1349 and 1703 also damaged it to some extent but didn’t destroy it. Other reasons for the Colosseum’s chipped appearance include the pilfering of travertine to construct Roman churches and buildings.