The Colosseum of Rome

If there is a universal symbol to identify Rome in the world, it is certainly the Flavian Amphitheater, or as it is more commonly called, the "Colosseum", the largest amphitheater not only in the city of Rome but also in the world. One of the 10 things to see in Rome and perhaps in the world. Since 72 AD, it stands majestically in the archaeological heart of Rome, commissioned by the Flavian dynasty, built in the area previously occupied by the artificial lake attached to the Domus Aurea.

The name "Colosseum" is due to an impressive bronze statue, the "Colossus of Nero," which was located nearby. Its central location was made possible following the disastrous fire in 64 AD during Nero's reign, which freed up space for construction. It was an easily accessible site, as there were no mass transportation methods at that time.

Rise and Decline of a Symbol of Ancient Rome

In 79 AD, the Colosseum was dedicated to Vespasian and inaugurated by Titus in 80 AD with games that reportedly lasted 100 days, during which about 5,000 animals were slaughtered to please the citizens. The Colosseum was later completed by Domitian and restored by Severus Alexander. During the late Empire, the Colosseum hosted highly popular events such as animal hunts and gladiatorial combats. In 217, the upper portico of the Colosseum and the hypogeum structures completely burned down due to a fire caused by lightning, and for the next five years, the shows had to take place in the Circus Maximus. This explains the characteristic shape that has made it famous worldwide. Between 250 and 252 and in 320, other fires devastated it. Subsequently, there was also a disastrous earthquake in September 1349 that caused a significant part of the walls and supporting outer arches of the amphitheater to collapse.

Large quantities of travertine blocks that made up the primary structure of the building were removed and used for the reconstruction of demolished buildings. Gradually, the abandoned Colosseum was first transformed into a fortress against barbarian invasions and later into an almost inexhaustible quarry of materials. As it became increasingly damaged and degraded, Pope Sixtus V considered demolishing it completely but later preferred to include it in the itinerary of the Basilicas. The continuous plunder ended in the 18th century when Benedict XIV dedicated the amphitheater to the passion of Christ and had a cross raised in the central part of the building, next to the arena.

The Architecture of the Colosseum

The Colosseum is constructed from travertine on the outside and in load-bearing structures, while other areas consist of tuff, brick, and concrete. It is 188 meters long and 156 meters wide. Three orders of arches alleviate the grandeur of the facade, around 50 meters high, while the internal elliptical arena measures 86x54m and was divided from the cavea by a podium, decorated with niches and embellished with marbles, reserved exclusively for members of the imperial family and other dignitaries. The cavea was divided according to the social class of the spectators: the lower tiers reserved for patricians were made of marble and divided into sectors, while the upper tiers, where the plebeians sat, were made of wood and separated by a high wall. The amphitheater could accommodate about 150,000 spectators who could access their sectors through vaulted corridors with stairs leading to various levels; a velarium provided protection from the sun. In the underground of the arena, there were galleries for beasts, stage equipment, and elevators. Among the public services, in addition to the fountains scattered at regular intervals along some internal corridors, there were also extravagant ones that sprayed scented liquids like rosewater, saffron, or other essences.

What Games Were Held in the Colosseum?

The amphitheater was the setting for various types of games: animal fights (venationes), condemned men killed by wild beasts (noxii), and gladiatorial combats (munera). The periods with the most shows were spring, summer (except August), and autumn. The gladiators were those who attracted the most attention from the public. The tradition of combat seems to have been passed down from the Etruscans, who believed it was right to sacrifice war prisoners or slaves during the games. The Romans also greatly appreciated naval battles or naumachiae, which were common during the reigns of Domitian and Vespasian; this suggests that the original flooring of the Colosseum was capable of holding large amounts of water. The last records of gladiatorial fights date back to 437, but the amphitheater continued to be used for animal executions around 523, under Theodoric.

The Beasts Used in Colosseum Fights

Only after conquering the new distant provinces of Asia and Africa did the Latin world become acquainted with the extravagant, unusual, and fearsome aspect of wild beasts. Their ferocity and size intrigued and attracted the public who increasingly loved this thrilling entertainment, especially when brave men faced them. The fights with the beasts were very bloody and engaging as they involved many animals of various breeds that, agitated and terrified by the noise of the crowd, attacked fiercely while emitting horrifying sounds. Sometimes hunters could be seen killing deer or gazelles with bows and arrows, and other times exotic animals like ostriches would succumb. There were also fights between animals, for example, a bull and an elephant would be tied together with chains, or other large animals, while men would poke them with long poles, stimulating them to fight. The exploitation of exotic animals, such as tigers, in all the major amphitheaters of the Empire caused a significant depletion of wildlife in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

The Gladiators of the Colosseum: Myth and Reality

They take their name from the gladius, a short sword used in combat. The barracks where they lived was called "Ludus gladiatorius," they were grouped in schools called "Familiae" where they learned fighting techniques and trained physically with the help of their masters: the "lanistae", veterans who survived tough battles with plenty of experience; the training was brutal. Most of the fighters were slaves and prisoners of common crimes, but there were also free men who risked their lives for a bit of fame and popularity. The fame of the champions was truly remarkable; the audience acclaimed them and followed them with great passion. Gladiators were skilled in wielding various weapons that required different assault or defense techniques. Depending on their type of armament, they were called by distinct names: Cetervari, Secutores, Retiarii, Mirmillones, Thraces.