The Colosseum in Rome is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, but despite its fame, many hidden secrets remain unknown to the average visitor. Steeped in ancient history, the Colosseum is a symbol of Roman engineering, entertainment, and power. Here are 15 lesser-known facts about this legendary amphitheater:
The Original Name
The Colosseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater, named after the Flavian dynasty that commissioned its construction. The name “Colosseum” came later, likely derived from a colossal statue of Emperor Nero that once stood nearby.
It Could Be Flooded for Naval Battles
In its early days, the Colosseum was capable of being flooded for staged naval battles, called naumachiae. Special aqueducts were used to fill the arena with water, allowing for mock sea battles complete with ships and combatants.
The Hypogeum
The Colosseum’s underground section, called the hypogeum, is a labyrinth of tunnels and rooms where gladiators, animals, and props were kept before being lifted into the arena. This complex system added a dramatic element to the spectacles as participants seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
It Was Once Covered by a Giant Awning
The velarium was a massive retractable awning that shaded spectators from the sun. Operated by Roman sailors, it covered about two-thirds of the arena, showcasing the ingenuity of Roman engineering.
More Than Just Gladiators
While gladiator combat is what the Colosseum is most famous for, it also hosted public executions, dramas, animal hunts, and mythological reenactments. It was a multi-purpose entertainment venue that kept Romans entertained for centuries.
The Colosseum’s Design Influenced Modern Stadiums
With its tiered seating, exits designed for easy crowd dispersal, and spectacular design, the Colosseum set the blueprint for modern sports stadiums. Its ability to hold 50,000–80,000 spectators was an architectural marvel at the time.
It Was Built in Under a Decade
Construction of the Colosseum began under Emperor Vespasian in AD 70 and was completed by his son, Titus, in AD 80. Considering the scale of the structure and the lack of modern machinery, its swift construction is extraordinary.
Animal Hunts Were a Major Event
Exotic animals from across the Roman Empire, including lions, elephants, and tigers, were used in hunts (venationes) to entertain crowds. Many of these species were brought to extinction in the region due to overhunting for entertainment purposes.
It Was Damaged by Several Earthquakes
Over the centuries, the Colosseum has been damaged by multiple earthquakes, especially in 847 and 1231 AD. These natural disasters caused much of the southern side to collapse, but restoration efforts continue today.
It Became a Source of Building Materials
In the Middle Ages, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum was looted for its valuable materials. Marble, bronze clamps, and stone were taken and used in the construction of other iconic Roman buildings, including St. Peter’s Basilica.
A Religious Symbol
In later centuries, the Colosseum became associated with Christianity. Popes consecrated the site, believing it was the location of Christian martyrdoms, although there is limited historical evidence to support this. Today, the Pope leads the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum every Good Friday.
Underground Rooms Were Built Later
Although the hypogeum is an integral part of the Colosseum, it was not part of the original design. The underground areas were added a few years after the Colosseum’s completion, during the reign of Emperor Domitian, to add complexity to the shows.
Free Admission and Food
Admission to the games was free for Roman citizens, as the events were sponsored by emperors and wealthy elites as a way to gain favor with the public. Spectators were also provided with food and drinks during the events, making it a community affair.
It’s a Symbol of Anti-Capital Punishment
Today, the Colosseum is lit up at night whenever a country abolishes the death penalty or when a death sentence is commuted. This tradition symbolizes the site’s transformation from a place of death to a beacon of life and human rights.
A Monumental Restoration Effort
In recent years, the Italian government has invested heavily in restoring the Colosseum. The project has uncovered new rooms and tunnels, preserving the ancient monument for future generations to explore its rich history.
The Colosseum is much more than an ancient ruin. It’s a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire, a reminder of humanity’s capacity for both creation and destruction. Its hidden secrets offer insight into the culture, technology, and power of ancient Rome, making it a fascinating destination for history lovers and casual tourists alike. Whether you’ve visited before or are planning your first trip, understanding these lesser-known facts can add depth to your experience of this magnificent structure.
Bonus: Fascinating Tidbits About the Colosseum
If you’re eager to dive even deeper into the mysteries of the Colosseum, here are a few more fascinating details about this awe-inspiring monument.
Seating Was Strictly Organized by Social Class
The Colosseum reflected the strict hierarchy of Roman society. The best seats, closest to the arena, were reserved for senators, dignitaries, and the emperor. Knights sat in the next tier, while ordinary citizens and women were seated further up. Even among the general populace, seating was allocated according to social rank.
Tickets Were Used in Ancient Rome
Though admission to the games was free, Roman citizens received small tokens inscribed with seat numbers to maintain order. These tokens worked like modern-day tickets, ensuring that thousands of spectators could find their assigned places.
The Arena Floor Was Made of Wood
The floor of the Colosseum’s arena was made of wood, covered with sand to soak up the blood from the games. In fact, the word “arena” comes from the Latin word harena, meaning sand. This sand was crucial for maintaining the grip of combatants and for absorbing the gruesome aftermath of battles.
It Was Once Surrounded by a Garden
Few people realize that the Colosseum was part of a larger complex, which included gardens, statues, and fountains. The grounds around the amphitheater were designed as a lush, relaxing space where spectators could enjoy leisure time before and after the games.
There Was a Gladiator School Nearby
Adjacent to the Colosseum was the Ludus Magnus, the largest gladiator school in Rome. Here, gladiators trained rigorously for combat, honing their skills before performing in front of massive crowds. Parts of the training area are still visible today, and underground passages once connected the school directly to the arena.
The Colosseum’s Use Diminished Over Time
By the 6th century AD, the Colosseum had fallen out of use for public spectacles. As the Roman Empire declined, the once-mighty arena was repurposed as housing, a fortress, and even a quarry for building materials. Its former grandeur faded into history as new political and cultural powers emerged.
Graffiti Artists Once Covered Its Walls
Long before modern tourists began carving their initials into monuments, ancient Romans indulged in graffiti at the Colosseum. Archaeologists have found inscriptions and carvings left by spectators, including names, drawings, and even crude images depicting the games.
The Colosseum Could Hold 100 Days of Games
Upon its grand opening, Emperor Titus celebrated the completion of the Colosseum with 100 days of games, a lavish spectacle that featured animal hunts, gladiatorial contests, and even mock naval battles. This monumental celebration gave Romans a taste of the amphitheater’s future role in their entertainment.
A Hidden Christian Basilica
In the 12th century, a small Christian chapel was constructed within the Colosseum, reflecting its evolving significance as a spiritual symbol. Although largely forgotten today, this hidden basilica represents the structure’s transition from pagan spectacles to Christian reverence.
Nature Took Over for Centuries
During the Middle Ages, when the Colosseum was abandoned and neglected, nature began to reclaim the structure. Over 400 species of plants and wildflowers grew inside the ancient walls. Some of these species were believed to have arrived in Rome from the far corners of the empire, carried on the hides of animals brought for the games.
It Could Be Reopened for Modern Events
There has been ongoing debate about the possibility of reopening the Colosseum for modern events, including concerts and performances. While preservation remains a top priority, the idea of reviving the Colosseum as a functioning venue is tantalizing for many.
It Was a Multi-Level Experience
Beneath the wooden arena floor, elevators, trapdoors, and pulley systems were used to transport animals, gladiators, and scenery. This multi-level design added to the surprise and drama of the games, as combatants and creatures seemed to appear and disappear by magic.
Surviving the Test of Time
Despite centuries of damage, looting, and weathering, the Colosseum still stands as an enduring symbol of Roman achievement. Today, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, drawing over 7 million visitors annually.
It’s an Emblem of Endurance
The Colosseum’s survival is a testament to the durability of Roman engineering. Constructed with a combination of travertine stone, concrete, and marble, the Colosseum has withstood the test of time, even as other monuments from antiquity have crumbled away.
A Space of Rebirth and Reflection
Over the centuries, the Colosseum has transformed from a site of violence and entertainment to one of historical reflection. It stands as a monument to the complexity of human nature—where once crowds cheered for blood, now millions walk through in quiet reverence, contemplating the many lives that passed through its gates.
The Colosseum is more than just an ancient ruin; it’s a living story that spans centuries. Its hidden secrets remind us of the ingenuity and complexity of Roman civilization, while its endurance through the ages symbolizes the resilience of history itself. Whether you’re drawn to the grand spectacles of the past or the quiet stories buried beneath the arena floor, the Colosseum offers endless layers to explore. When you visit, take a moment to appreciate not just what you see, but what remains hidden—waiting to be uncovered.
These fascinating aspects of the Colosseum highlight why it continues to captivate people worldwide, offering glimpses of a Rome that once ruled the known world, while also serving as a symbol of transformation and endurance.