What are 10 facts about the Colosseum, one of Rome’s best attractions?
- It’s big.
- It’s beautiful.
- It’s a bastion of Ancient Roman architecture.
Boom, three right off the bat…but you probably already knew all of that, so…
Image Credit: Getty Images, Guido Cozzi/Atlantide Phototravel. Image Location: Rome, Italy
10 interesting facts about the Colosseum
…(that you might not know).
- Its name is actually the Flavian Amphitheater. We know the Colosseum as simply that, but it was initially called the Flavian Amphitheater, named after the dynasty of emperors ruling during its construction.
- … but it’s not the only Flavian Amphitheater. Located in what we now call Pozzuoli is another Flavian Amphitheater created during the same time, by the same emperor, and likely using the same architects.
- It’s not the most well-preserved Roman amphitheater. The Arena of Nîmes and the Arles Amphitheater in France are among the best preserved Roman amphitheaters on the planet.
- The Colosseum was built out of spite. On this site previously was Nero’s palace (called the Domus Aurea), a sprawling site with a private lake that the Roman people weren’t fond of. His successor tore it down and commissioned the Colosseum be built as a public entertainment space.
- Emperors could make anyone fight. Although most individuals “performing” were slaves, POWs, criminals, and others, emperors could force anyone to play in the pit. Rulers like Claudius would ask those working the event to lend a hand (sadly, in a literal sense, at times) to help the show go on while the sick-minded, horse-loving Caligula would throw people from the audience into the fray.
- Emperors could also fight themselves. Now, the vast majority of emperors had no desire to get in the ring — but Commodus was different. This chap got in on the (usually staged) action so he could polish his ego.
- The Colosseum has survived natural disasters. Earthquakes and fires have ravaged the Colosseum multiple times, and yet, never managed to completely destroy it.
- Gladiator fights stopped in the AD 400s. Considering the Colosseum was finished in AD 80 and gladiator fights ceased around AD 435, these events took place during one quarter of this structure’s near-2,000-year history.
- The Colosseum was used for storage and as a quarry. When the Colosseum stopped hosting games, its space was used for storing various materials. If that wasn’t degrading enough, a good chunk of its stone was taken and repurposed for other structures.
- The Colosseum may soon return to live events. Restorations are well underway to make the Colosseum a legitimate event venue once again. We very much doubt there will be fights to the death, but should a metal concert ever get a green light, the mosh pits will be legendary.
Image Credit: Getty Images, John Wallace. Image Location: Rome, Italy
More trivia about the Colosseum
A little more knowledge for your pub trivia team.
The Colosseum is older than the Great Wall of China
Keeping track of history isn’t easy when everything is old. This Roman structure, though? It’s got a few years on China’s impressive border: around 500 years or so. But that doesn’t mean the Colosseum in Rome is as ancient as it seems. The Acropolis, Stonehenge, and Pyramid of Giza are all much older.
When was the Colosseum built?
The Colosseum was commissioned and built between AD 70-72. It opened in AD 80.
Who commissioned the Colosseum?
The Colosseum was commissioned by Vespasian, continued by his son Titus, then further overseen by Vespasian’s other son, Domitian.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Luis Diaz Devesa. Image Location: Rome, Italy
Who built the Colosseum?
Slaves primarily built the Colosseum under the direction of Roman architects.
How big is the Colosseum in Rome?
The Colosseum is 620 by 513 feet, measuring four stories high and taking up six-acres of land.
How many people fit inside the Colosseum?
Between 50,000 and 80,000, which is an estimate — Ancient Roman records don’t exactly have a spreadsheet of attendance records to cross reference.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Matteo Colombo. Image Location: Rome, Italy
Is the Rome Colosseum a wonder of the world?
The Roman Colosseum is one of the seven new wonders of the world, alongside the Great Wall of China, Chichén Itzá, Petra, Machu Picchu, Christ the Redeemer, and the Taj Mahal.
Was Gladiator filmed in the Colosseum?
Nope. Exterior shots are a-okay but no one is allowed to film a movie in the Colosseum. For these Gladiator filming locations, Ridley Scott built a smaller-scale version of the Colosseum in Malta.
What animals fought in the Colosseum?
A literal zoo of animals fought in the Colosseum: lions, tigers, bears, wolves, elephants, leopards, panthers, basically any animal the Romans could acquire.
Visit the Colosseum by train
How do I get tickets? Very easily: you can pre-purchase them online or buy them at the Colosseum’s ticket office (we recommend the former to save time).
How do i get there? Take the train to Roma Termini, Rome’s main railway station, then hop the Rome Metro B or B1 line down to the Colosseo stop.
Allow us to help: download the Trainline app and see Rome’s greatest sights today!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, tunart. Image Location: Rome, Italy
