The Colosseum is the main symbol of Rome, an imposing construction that, almost 2,000 years old, will take you back in time to discover what was the ancient society of the Roman Empire.
The construction of the Coliseum began in the year 72 under the regime of Vespasiano and finished in year 80 during the mandate of the emperor Tito. After the completion of the construction the Coliseum became the largest Roman amphitheater, with dimensions of 188 meters in length, 156 meters in width and 57 meters in height.
The Colosseum in Antiquity
During the Roman Empire and under the motto of "Pan et Circus", the Roman Coliseum (then known as Flavian Amphitheater) allowed more than 50,000 people to enjoy their favorite shows. Samples of exotic animals, prison executions, recreations of battles and gladiator fights accompanied the Roman people for years.
The Colosseum remained active for more than 500 years. The last games of the history were celebrated in century I SAW.
From the 6th century the Coliseum suffered looting, earthquakes and even bombings during World War II. With a great instinct for survival, the Colosseum was used for decades as a warehouse, church, cemetery and even as a castle for the nobility.
The Colosseum in the News
Currently the Colosseum is, together with the Vatican, the biggest tourist attraction in Rome. Each year 6 million tourists visit it. On 7 July 2007 the Colosseum became one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Curiosities
The original name "Flavian Amphitheater" was replaced by the one of Coliseo due to the great statue of Nero that was located at the entrance of the Domus Aurea, "The Colossus of Nero". The Domus Aurea was a great palace built under the orders of Nero after the burning of Rome.
Emperor Tito inaugurated the Coliseum with 100 days of games, costing more than 2,000 gladiators.
The Colosseum had a canvas roof to protect people from the sun. Underneath the sand stood machinery and cages.
There are several theories that the Coliseum was filled with water for the representation of naval battles, although for the moment there has not been conclusive investigations.
Every Good Friday the Pope presides over the Via Crucis at the Colosseum. It has always been a very united place to the church and this day is remembered to the first Christians who died in the sand.