Access the dark heart of the Colosseum in Ancient Rome, and hear stories about gladiators, the roar of the lions, and the crowds that cheered them on in the Roman Republic’s most famous arena.

Meet your guide at the “Colosseo” Metro Station before going inside the Flavian Amphitheatre. Once inside, your guide will bring to life the bloodthirsty spectacles that saw gladiators battle with beasts brought from beneath the arena through spectacular feats of engineering. See a newly constructed timber elevator, recreated by experts, that demonstrates how the Romans hoisted animals up to the arena level. Originally, there were 28 of these elevators in the Colosseum, each powered by 8 slaves.

See the altar where Caesar was cremated, and visit the Temple of the Vestal Virgins where the virgins tended the eternal flame to ensure the fortune and glory of Rome. Admire the Senate building, where key decisions that influenced the course of history took place. Visit the white marble Arch of Septimius Severus, and the Arch of Constantine, built to commemorate the emperor’s victory over the pagans, and the moment when Christianity became the religion of the Empire.

Hear the story of the she-wolf that nursed the twin founders of Rome (Romulus and Remus) on Palatine Hill. Stand in the oldest part of Rome, and discover why it was later favored by Rome’s richest and most powerful families.