Rome Colosseum

Interesting and surprising facts about Rome Colosseum

Is the Colosseum in Rome worth it? Why should you visit the Colosseum in Rome? How much time do you need to see Colosseum?

The Colosseum in Rome is an incredible attraction, and it is worth seeing and feeling the atmosphere inside and around the Colosseum. There are some interesting and surprising facts about the Colosseum that could interest you. I will take you through the Rome Colosseum atmosphere and the most exciting period just in a couple of hours!

I suggest you grab a cup of tea, find your cozy little corner and read how you can experience Rome Colosseum in a couple of hours.

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Morning in Rome

Another morning in Rome. As I mentioned in my previous stories (you can read here), I did not plan a lot, but I had a few favorite spots that are a must-visit part of a Great Rome. One of the most famous ancient monuments, and the most visited site in Rome, after the Vatican, is the Rome Colosseum!

Plans for a day and first coffee

Because I was visiting only Rome Colosseum for the day, I just wanted to wander around that area and enjoy the atmosphere, watching people and maybe writing. Writing could inspire you. Try to bring a small/pocket notebook with you and put down your thoughts wherever you go. You will notice that writing could inspire you to think and do some things you would not think about before. 

About Rome Colosseum

I must admit I was thinking of taking a tour, but on the other hand, I felt I needed to do it alone this time. Anyway, I am planning to come back and see it again.

There were a lot of emotions I felt at the same time. As much as I admire the power of the whole thing, I felt sorry for so many people who died during the building, gladiators, enslaved people, and all sacrificed wild animals!

There are many interesting facts and details about the Rome Colosseum, and I feel happy to share them with you and prepare you for your tour one day. However, it would be best to feel ready to see this significant monument.

Rome’s Amphitheatre

Romans designed the Rome Colosseum (also called Flavian Amphitheatre) to entertain both humans and emperors and popularize emperors through various fights between gladiators and wild, hungry animals. Most often, hungry elephants, tigers, lions, wolves, bears, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, buffalo, etc., participated.

It was common to organize animal fights in the mornings. And, during intermissions, they often throw convicted criminals to the wild animals.

Rome Colosseum spaces and galleries

The Hypogeum (means underground) is below the Colosseum with two levels of connected corridors and tunnels leading into and out of the Colosseum. There. the Romans kept convicts, gladiators, and animals before entering the arena.

Marble seats and clad were covering the inner walls. In the arena, you can see four galleries.

• The emperor even had his own box with a private entrance.
• The second and third gallery were made to be for male, the higher classes’ of spectators, closer to the arena.
• The upper, fourth gallery was for the wives of senators and knights.

WOODEN ELEVATORS

Romans used wooden elevators hidden beneath the colossal theater to transport gladiators, animals, etc.

TUNNELS

There were tunnels separate for the Emperor and Vestal Virgins to enter and exit the Rome Colosseum avoiding the need for them to have to mingle with others.

MONUMENTAL ENTRANCES

There were two monumental entrances with two large arches for gladiators to enter the arena for the games. There were not part of the primary Rome Colosseum constriction.

Interesting facts

• The name ‘Colosseum’ probably comes from the colossal bronze statue of Emperor Nero that once stood next to the building. And that same statue was made after the example of the Colossus of Rhodes.
• The total volume of the amphitheater is 527 meters, and it is height is 48.50 meters. The Rome Colosseum is the biggest amphitheater in the world.  It is 189 meters long, 156 meters wide.
• In addition to the people who suffered, many wild animals also suffered. Above all, up to 9,000 animals died during the opening ceremony.
• Among the artifacts found in the Rome Colosseum scienties found medieval cooking pottery, a monkey shape made from ivory, probably the important piece, and a terracotta sewer pipe that was installed in the 12th century.
• When the fire of 64 AD broke out, a large given city burned down. Most importantly, Nero, who was the emperor at the time, ordered the construction of a magnificent palace for him.

The Roman people deposed the emperor, and the Vespasian came to the throne. He demolished the palace and ordered the construction of the Colosseum on top of what was an artificial lake. The Colosseum was made for the Romans, for their entertainment.

• Colosseum has been used for other purposes too, as a cemetery, a place of worship, for housing, workshops for artisans and merchants , etc.
• Two big earthquakes caused major damage to the colosseum. These happened in 847 AD and 1231 AD.
• The Colosseum has 80 entrance arches. It could accommodate around 87,000 spectators easily.
• Thumbs up actually originate from the Colosseum. It was a signal that the gladiator was to be put to death via the jagular, neck bone. Dead gladiators were carried out of the west exit, which came to be known as the Gate of Death.
• The games were divided into 3 sessions. The first one (venation) was about animal hunting. The second was (Ludi meridian) around mid-day and it was all about criminals and damnati who were executed. And, the third part was all about Gladiators.
• Above all, to keep games more interesting, the prizes of different value were thrown into the crowd such as: snacks, food, money, sometimes even titles to apartments.
• Catholic Church used stones from the Colosseum from the ancient monument to build the cathedrals of St. Peter and St. John Latern and the Palazzo Venetia.
• In 80 A.D. when the Colosseum was finally made Emperor Titus (the son of Vespasian) made a huge party that ran 100 days, and most surprisingly it wasn’t the longest party he made.
• Sometime battles did not ended in death, when gladiators refused to kill an opponent. Other times fan favourites were granted a pardon.
• To protect some spectators from the heat, they were using a velarium (an awning over an ancient Roman theatre or amphytheatre.) Also, they used a cooling mist scented with balsam or saffron was sprayed over the crowd.

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Mysterious Rome Colosseum

• The Colosseum was built from limestone-based stones and tufa.
• Mortar was not used – iron clamps were used to hold the stones together.  The outside was impressive, everything covered in marble.
• They think it was used 200-300 tons of iron clamps. That iron was taken in the middle ages and used for mostly weaponry. Therefore is why today we are left with a lot of holes.
• The Colosseum was painted before in light colors, for instance, light blue, green, red, and dark black color. Some archaeologists also believe the outside wall of the stadium was painted, too. Now we can see just 1 percent of the painted surfaces.
• Besides paintings on the walls used as decoration, you can see a lot of graffiti made by gladiators and spectators.

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Surprising fact about Colosseum

Gladiators

Traditionally, Gladiators were special people of solid musculature, trained and dressed in unique gladiator clothes. They had the opportunity to become a celebrity if they successfully survived the fighting. Thus attracted by fame and money, volunteers also applied to gladiator schools.

They believed that approx. four hundred thousand died between gladiators, enslaved people, convicts, and other entertainers. In addition, millions of wild animals died too. There is no exact number.

End of gladiatorial games

Constantine officially banned the gladiatorial games in 325 CE. Constantine was the first “Christian” emperor. He denied the games for good.

Gladiators Didn’t Just Fight to the Death

Moreover, gladiators were also local celebrities of their day. They received a lot of prizes.

Have you heard about Female Gladiators?

Female gladiators existed, but they were almost all enslaved people. Further, female gladiators were fighting against male gladiators and dwarfs. 

Different Types of Gladiators

According to their type of skill and fighting style, Gladiators were divided into “thraeces” and “murmillones.” For their fights, they used swords and shields: Thank, ‘Equites,’ gladiators on horses with blades. And “dimachaerus,” who fought with two swords at once. 

Lunch with a view

It was lunchtime. So, after so much walk and history, it was time to sit and enjoy the most famous Italian dish, pasta! Delicious homemade pasta and coffee made my day even better. While eating, I love to watch people, their daily habits, behavior, and other characteristics. I always make friends that way, in a restaurant or cafe.

Sometimes I am open to talking with people from cafes and restaurants, and that is how you meet people, their mentality. Also, you learn about the country that way, because people from hospitality are usually well informed and chatty :).

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Night at Fountain de Trevi

After the meal, I wanted to walk around Rome Colosseum and enjoy the sunset. My feelings were still mingling as the sunset. I was wondering how much blood could you see during the games? How many animals did they sacrifice? A lot! And why were people looking forward to it!?!

Such a powerful building, but full of the most terrible memories.

After a long walk, it was time to go back to the center of Rome and explore those streets, including the most famous Fountain de Trevi (Three Street Fountain).

A motorbike was waiting for me in the parking lot. Somehow, the ride relaxes me when I’m tired, although my muscles are tense while driving. I feel free and happy.

Interesting facts about Fountain de Trevi

• It was refurbished by the fashion house, Fendi (who, as they say, spent a $2.2 million) to make it so wonderful.
• Aqua Virgo Aqueduct (Trevi Fountain) was made in 19 B.C. which made her one of the oldest fountains that provided water to the Roman baths and the fountains of central Rome. 
• Alessandro Galilei, an architect from the same family as the famous astronomer Galileo, was first originally won to do the project but it was given to Nicola Salvi because he was Roman and Galilei was Florentine.
• They said you should wish something and throw the coin into fountain for luck. It is one of the oldest water sources in Rome. The legend holds that a coin thrown into the fountain will ensure a return to Rome. Coins are collected every night and given to an Italian charity called Caritas. 
• Also, it is forbidden to take coins from the fountain. It is considered as a crime.
• There were a lot of people around the fountain. It was hard to feel anything, but that’s why you can experience an atmosphere where people take the most selfies than anywhere else.

Evening walk in Rome

The walk through the city center continued. I bought some boots along the way because I am simply thrilled with the Italian design.
For dinner, I decided to take fast food because I love pizza, and it was interesting for me to try different flavors and see how Italians do it.

Do you know that pizza has a long history? Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks consumed flatbreads with toppings. The version with herbs and oil is similar to today’s focaccia. But the modern pizza is coming from southwestern Italy’s Campania region, Naples.

A wonderful evening for walking and fantasizing. Have you ever wondered what you like to do while walking? I only wonder when I write. I love to dream a lot or think about what I would like to change in life. Also, I analyze what I used to want to do, how different I am now, etc.

Packing Time

This was my experience of the Rome Colosseum. A combination of lots of emotions, history, and exciting and surprising facts.

It’s time to pack up because I’m traveling to Ancona the next day, where I need to catch a ferry. If you are interested in my motorcycle trip through Italy, my friends, feel free to comment below. If you need any information regarding this trip, send me a dm or leave a comment.

USEFUL LINKS:

• Oppio Caffe
• About Colosseum in Rome