History of the Colosseum
Discover the grandeur and charm of the Amphitheater that has captivated the world for two thousand years
The Colosseum, an undisputed symbol of the grandeur of ancient Rome, is a majestic structure that has captivated visitors from every corner of the world for nearly two thousand years. Inaugurated in 80 AD by Emperor Titus, this imposing amphitheater was the beating heart of Roman entertainment, where brave gladiators and fierce beasts faced off in spectacular battles that drew immense crowds. Walking through its arches and imagining the echoes of applause and roars that once filled the air is a unique and engaging experience. Visiting the Colosseum is a journey through time, an immersion into the roots of Western history and culture that every travel and history enthusiast should experience at least once in their lifetime. There’s no better way to feel the breath of History than to step through its ancient gates.
Colosseum Rome: check availability now
The history of this extraordinary monument
A journey through time amidst the majestic ruins of the Colosseum, where ancient Rome comes to life in all its glory and grandeur, offering an unforgettable experience at the heart of history.
The Colosseum is part of a complex of interconnected buildings, known as the “amphitheatrical complex,” used for gladiatorial shows and other public events in ancient Rome. This imposing amphitheater, now an undisputed symbol of the city, was built between 70 and 80 AD under Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty. The construction was financed with the proceeds from the sacking of the Temple of Jerusalem, carried out by legions led by Vespasian’s son, Titus, in 70 AD.
The site chosen for the construction of the Colosseum was an area previously occupied by the Domus Aurea, the lavish residence of Nero. It is believed that the artificial lake of the Domus Aurea, located exactly where the amphitheater now stands, was surrounded by a series of buildings and terraces that were part of the palace complex. A few steps from the Colosseum stood the famous Colossus of Nero, a gigantic bronze statue over thirty meters high, which would later give its name to the amphitheater, although this association seems to be of medieval origin.
The construction of the Colosseum involved not only the erection of the amphitheater itself but also the creation of a system of auxiliary buildings and connecting pathways, including underground galleries and hypogeal passages. These structures were essential for the preparation of the shows and the operation of the arena, enabling the quick transport of gladiators, animals, and stage machinery.
Vespasian and his successors, Titus and Domitian, did not limit their intervention to the construction of the amphitheater. The entire surrounding area was transformed with the addition of auxiliary buildings and structures, including the Neronian vestibule, which was partially demolished to make way for the Colosseum’s foundations. Domitian, in particular, made significant modifications to the complex, creating an extensive system of masonry underground passages that replaced the previous wooden structures and allowed for more efficient management of the shows. However, these modifications made it impossible to flood the arena for naumachiae, the naval battles that characterized the early shows held at the Colosseum.
The Meta Sudans, a monumental fountain located near the Colosseum, was another addition made during Domitian’s reign. Standing about 18 meters high, the fountain had a circular base and a truncated-cone shape, with four streams of water descending from the top into a basin below. This architectural element, now no longer in existence, contributed to defining the monumental landscape around the Colosseum.
The construction of the Colosseum required enormous amounts of materials, including over one hundred thousand tons of travertine, a limestone sourced from the quarries of Tivoli, along with marble, wood, and iron. The building’s foundations covered an area of about 25,298 square meters, and the entire project required not only great effort and resources but also remarkable engineering and architectural skills.
Despite legends attributing the design of the Colosseum to a certain Gaudentius, a Roman noble who is said to have been killed within the amphitheater, there is no concrete historical evidence to identify the architect of the work. What is certain, however, is that the Colosseum quickly became a symbol of the power and grandeur of the Roman Empire, capable of hosting up to 50,000 spectators for shows that included gladiatorial combat, public executions, hunts of wild beasts, and, in the early years, even naval battles.
Visiting the Colosseum today is an unmissable experience for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in ancient history. Although access is limited to the first two floors, part of the hypogeum, and the partial arena cover, the monument offers a unique glimpse into the life and culture of ancient Rome. Since 2018, the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo has offered visitors a multimedia experience, curated by archaeologist Alfonsina Russo, that explores various aspects of the history and architecture of the amphitheater through films and presentations divided into eleven thematic sections.
Another particularly fascinating attraction is the reproduction of one of the twenty-eight elevators that, from the time of Domitian, were used to lift animals and stage machinery from the hypogeum to the arena. This reconstruction, inaugurated in 2015, provides a better understanding of the operation of this complex engineering system, which for over four hundred years enabled the most extraordinary and brutal shows of antiquity.
Visiting the Colosseum means taking a journey back in time, discovering the wonders of an era when Rome was the center of the known world. It is a unique opportunity to touch the grandeur of a civilization that left an indelible mark on the history of humanity.