The Colosseum was once a complete oval amphitheater that spread the sounds of cheering and exotic animals’ roars. Today Colosseum has become an icon for the Eternal City with its partially ruined structure and is visited by hundreds of people daily. But before you visit this unique amphitheater, here are some short facts about the Colosseum.

When and why was the Colosseum built?Colosseum was built in the end of the first century A.D. (70-80 years after the birth of Christ). It is made out of concrete and stone, and it neighbors the Roman Forum. It is and was a very central location, especially for an amphitheater. Buildings of entertainment tended to be placed in the outskirt of the city but Colosseum can represent an increase of interest in public entertainment with its central location and colossal size.

Who came to Colosseum in Ancient times?

Everyone in Rome came to be entertained at the Colosseum, from all kind of social levels. However, they were divided into different seating sections depending on social class and gender. Senators and nobles were closest to the arena floor to have the best view. The only citizens that were banned as visitors were gravediggers, actors and former gladiators. How many spectators the Colosseum could accommodate varies, but between 50 000 up to 80 000 people.

Where there really gladiators?

Yes. But there was also many other sort of entertainment, such as: replicating sea battles and animal hunts. Since the demolish of the Ancient Roman entertainment, the Colosseum has functioned as a bullfight arena, a potential wool factory, and the Catholic Church sanctified it in the 18th century.

How come it still stands here today?

Most of the more or less complete ancient buildings that still stands today do so because the Catholic church at some point Christianized them. That leads to a kind of protection and prevents the material to be removed from the site since it becomes holy. Also the cement the Colosseum is constructed of is a reason for why it has not fallen apart. It contains of different ingredients than our contemporary cement, for example volcano ash.

Why is it named Colosseum?

The name Colosseum is not what it was originally called. From the beginning it was called Flavian’s Amphitheater. This is because it was built during the period of Flavian dynasty. The name Colosseum is believed to originate from the fact that the Flavian amphitheater was so giant or because there was a colossal bronze statue of Nero next to the amphitheater.

If you want to know more about the Colosseum and its neighboring Roman Forum, why not take a tour with LivItaly Tour. We only offer tours in small groups with maximum 6 people, which gives you opportunities to ask question and make sure that you leave the tour knowing what you didn’t know before.