10 facts about the Colosseum you need to know about

When in Rome, a visit to the Colosseum is a must, especially if it’s your first time in Italy’s capital. Packed with historical importance and one of the unmissable landmarks of Rome, there are so many things to know about the Colosseum. Whether you are interested in its origins, the gladiator fights that took place in the arena, or the role of this Roman Amphitheater in modern history, there are plenty of facts about the Colosseum that you should read up on before your trip. Let’s get into it.

1. For an ancient relic, it’s practically new

We all know it’s a historical monument, but how old is the Colosseum really, and how does it compare to other ancient relics? Emperor Vespasian laid the foundations of the amphitheater in 72 AD, and it took 8 years in total to build the Colosseum. Construction was completed under the gaze of his successor, Emperor Titus. That being said, it’s practically a new build compared to the Pyramids of Giza, which are over twice as old, and Stonehenge, which dates back some 5,000 years.

2. The Colosseum was not always called the Colosseum

There are certain things you can’t imagine having another name, and the Colosseum is definitely one of them. In fact, Rome’s iconic landmark was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater. It came from the dynasty that ruled the empire from 69 to 96 CE. Historians believe the current name that stuck originates from “The Colossus of Nero,” a 35-meter tall bronze statue that stood outside the amphitheater.

3. Rome’s most infamous emperor never set foot in the arena

When you think of the Roman Empire, one name is likely to spring to mind: Julius Caesar. Maybe you imagine this infamous emperor watching gladiator battles in the Colosseum while enjoying a glass of wine. Although the Colosseum and Julius Caesar are definitive icons of the Roman Empire, the two never existed simultaneously. The Colosseum was finished in 80 CE, but Julius Caesar was assassinated almost 125 years before the first games even happened.

4. Even emperors wanted to get in on gladiatorial combat

The Colosseum was built as an entertainment venue, where Gladiators and animals ended up fighting to death for the entertainment of the viewers. The Gladiator fights were so popular even Emperor Commodus wanted to get involved. Commodus was obsessed with gladiatorial combat and would fight exotic animals and gladiators in the arena. He engaged in bloody combat with animals and staged fights with gladiators who’d face fatal consequences if they dared strike the emperor. These fights were seen as scandalous and unbecoming of an an emperor, but that did not seem to matter to Commodus, he relished in these ego-boosting acts.

5. Gladiator fights declined with the Roman Empire

Gladiator fights were a staple of popular Roman culture for centuries, but as the Roman Empire’s demise began, the exorbitant gladiator fights in the Colosseum followed suit. In the 5th century, the cost of maintaining the Colloseum and hosting gladiator fights and hunts became too costly for the empire. The last gladiator fights were hosted in the Colloseum in 435 CE, and in the centuries that followed, the Colosseum fell into decay.

6. It's in pretty good shape for its age

Despite its neglect in the early days, the Colosseum is in good shape for an almost 2,000-year-old building. Several earthquakes have shaken the famous site, causing damage mainly to the south side. The rubble from these quakes helped build churches and palaces across Rome. Since the 19th century, the Colosseum has undergone several restoration projects to help preserve it.

7. The Colosseum has 80 entrances

Seventy-six of the Colosseum’s 80 entrances were used for the general public, while the four gates built to the cardinal points served unique roles. Important dignitaries used the north and south gates. The two remaining gates were for the gladiators but served two very different purposes. The Gate of Life, located on the eastern side of the Colosseum, is where gladiators would enter before the spectacle began. The Gate of Death, located on the western side, is where unlucky gladiators were carried out.

8. Entry to the games was free

If you were short of cash but enjoyed the blood and spectacle of the Colosseum, you were in luck — provided you were Roman. Emperors used the arena to promote their political policies, so entry to the games was free to all Romans. Foreigners were of no political use to the leaders, so they had to shell out a coin or two to watch the games.

9. The Colosseum sits on the site of a former private lake

The site on which the Colosseum sits was once the location of an artificial lake at the Golden House of Nero. Following the demise of the infamous emperor, much of Nero’s luxurious palace was destroyed or put to public use, including his private lake. The Colosseum, a public building, was built in its place.

10. Gladiator wasn’t filmed in the Colosseum, or even in Rome

Perhaps one of the most interesting fun facts about the Colosseum is about the movie “Gladiator.” Although director Ridley Scott was permitted to film inside the famous amphitheater, he decided it needed to look brand new to recreate the grandeur of Ancient Rome. A stand-in Colosseum was built in Malta and many of the location shots were computer-generated. But filming in front of a green screen didn’t take away any of the magic. The film’s main star, Russel Crowe, said, “When 2,000 extras are screaming at you, it doesn’t feel like you’re acting in a void. It’s real.”

FAQs

When was the Colosseum built, and when was it completed?

Constructed on the Colosseum started in 72 AD and finished in 80 AD, meaning that it took around 8 years to build the Colosseum.

Which emperor built the Colosseum?

It was Emperor Vespasian who requested the building of the Colosseum, which wwas completed one year after his death.

What is the Colosseum’s Gate of Death?

The Gate of Death is the West entrance which was used to carry out the animals and people that died on the stage.

What was the Roman Colosseum used for?

The Colosseum in Rome was mostly used for spectacles like gladiator battles against other gladiators or animals. It was also used for other events like executions and mock battles.