Facts about the Colosseum

1. When Was the Colosseum Built?

Do you like sports and enjoy supporting your favourite team or athlete? The people of Ancient Rome were big fans of exciting competitions, too. One of the most famous places where they gathered for entertainment was the Colosseum, an enormous arena that remains one of the best-known landmarks of the ancient world.

2. Built With Stone and Concrete

Construction of the Colosseum began in 72 A.D. under Emperor Vespasian and was completed around 80 A.D. in the centre of Ancient Rome. The enormous structure was made primarily from stone and concrete, with tens of thousands of slaves providing the labour needed to build this impressive monument.

3. The World’s Largest Amphitheater

The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater, or “theatre in the round,” in the world. Its oval structure measures approximately 189 metres in length, 156 metres across and 50 metres in height, making it roughly as tall as a 12-storey building. The enormous arena was even large enough to accommodate a modern football pitch.

4. Thousands of People Could Watch the Games

With 80 entrances, the Colosseum could accommodate around 50,000 spectators at a time. Crowds gathered to watch a variety of dramatic spectacles, including gladiator fights, battles involving wild animals and even naval battles staged inside the arena.

5. Admission Was Free

Attending the major events at the Colosseum did not cost the public anything. Many of the biggest spectacles were organised and financed by the emperors themselves, and admission was free. On some occasions, spectators were also given free food. The emperors used these generous events as a way of winning public favour and strengthening their popularity.

6. The Games Could Be Extremely Violent

Although the spectacles may have been entertaining for Roman audiences, they were often incredibly brutal. During some games organised by the emperors, as many as 10,000 animals were reportedly killed in a single day.

7. The First Games Lasted 100 Days

The first games at the Colosseum took place in 80 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Titus, Vespasian’s son. The celebrations continued for an astonishing 100 consecutive days. Events remained part of life at the Colosseum for centuries afterward, with gladiatorial contests continuing until the fifth century and animal hunts lasting until the sixth century.

8. A Giant Awning Protected Spectators

Roman summers could be intensely hot, so spectators needed protection from the powerful sun. The Colosseum featured a huge awning known as the velarium, which could be extended over the seating areas to create shade. It was an ingenious solution for keeping the crowds more comfortable during the events.

9. A Hidden World Beneath the Arena

A complex network of rooms and underground corridors was located beneath the Colosseum. This hidden area was used to house gladiators and wild animals before they were brought into the arena. The floor also contained 36 trapdoors that could be used to create dramatic entrances and special effects during the spectacles.

10. The Colosseum Is Still a Major Attraction

Around two-thirds of the original Colosseum has disappeared over the centuries. Vandalism, earthquakes and fires all contributed to its destruction. Despite the damage, the surviving structure remains one of the world’s most famous historical attractions and welcomes thousands of visitors every year.