14 Mind-Blowing Facts About Colosseum

What is Colosseum?

Colosseum is an oval amphitheatre in Rome, Italy. Events like gladiatorial games and public spectacles including animal hunts, executions, reenactments of famous battles, dramas based on Roman mythology and briefly mock sea battles were held in Colosseum.

 

When was Colosseum built?

Colosseum’s construction was began in 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD.

 

By Yelobrd - Source: Wikimedia Commons

Where is Colosseum?

The Colosseum is in Rome, the capital of Italy. More specifically it is on the east bank of the river Tiber, which crosses the city, east of the Roman forum.

 

Fact 1: Colosseum was built for entertainment.

By Jimmy Walker - Source: Wikimedia Commons

After the great fire of 64 AD, where most cities caught fire, Emperor Nero ordered the construction of a magnificent palace for himself in a destroyed area. Palace is Domus Aurea (which is being dug up today and can be visited). No need to say, Romans are not happy about this, so when Nero is overthrown and Emperor Vespasian rises to the throne, he has the Nero Palace complex to knock down and ordered the Colosseum to be built on what has become an artificial lake. Colosseum was to become a major amphitheater where all Roman citizens can have entertainment.

 

Fact 2: It is famous for being the world’s largest amphitheatre.

Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world. The length is 189 meters, a width of 156 meters and the height of 50 meters is extraordinary. You can see it in all the glory when you buy the official Colosseum ticket, whether you choose to explore Rome at night or during the day.

 

Fact 3: Construction of Colosseum.

By Steven Zucker, Smarthistory co-founder - Source: Flickr

Ancient Romans use many marbles to build Colosseum. It is estimated that they use around 100,000 cubic meters of marble, transported in 200 bullock carts to the location of the building. They also use 1.1 million tons of concrete, stone and brick to build the Colosseum. Today, the price is around 39 million euros - equivalent to nearly 43 million dollars!

 

Fact 4: It is listed as one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

The Colosseum was selected as 7 New Wonders of the World in 2007.

 

Fact 5: Different kinds of animals were used in Colosseum.

Many animal species are used in Colosseum. Some in the hunting staged, where armed and trained humans will bring them down, the others as “executioners” of those who are cursed to die in the arena. Lions, tigers, wolves, bears, leopards, wild boar, elephants, hyena, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and giraffes are all seen in Colosseum at several points.

 

Fact 6: Many people died in Colosseum.

By Nicholas Hartmann - Source: Wikimedia Commons

It’s impossible to know with certainty, but it is believed that up to 400,000 people who were gladiators, slaves, condemned, prisoners and other entertainers, perished in the Colosseum during the 350 years or during which it was used for human blood sports and spectacles.

 

Fact 7: It’s original name.

Colosseum, in reality, was not always called Colosseum. It was initially known as Flavian Amphitheatre, named after the Flavian Dynasty of the Emperor. It was built by Emperor Vespasian, founder of the Flavian Dynasty!

 

Fact 8: Underground World.

By Wknight94 - Source: Wikimedia Commons

Although it is certain that many of what happened in the Colosseum underhand and clearly dangerous, there is also a literal underground area of ​​ the Colosseum. Known as a hypogeum, it is a two-level underground tunnel network with 32 animal pens. There are also 80 vertical shafts that allow instant access to the arena - this is used to shift animals and scenery during the show.

 

Fact 9: It was also used for different purpose other than as an arena.

After stopping used as an arena for battle and hunting, at different points in the history of the Colosseum, it has been used as graves, place of worships, for housing, workshops for craftsmen and traders, homes from religious order, which is enriched with castle, and most recently as a tourist attraction.

 

Fact 10: Seating arrangements.

The Colosseum could accommodate 50,000 to 87,000 people. They sit in tiered arrangements that reflect the stiff tiered nature of the Roman society. Special boxes are provided at the north and south end for the Emperors and Vestal Virgins, giving the best view of the arena. Claiming them at the same level is a wide platform or podium for the senatorial class, who were allowed to carry their own seats.

 

Fact 11: It was damaged by earthquakes.

By Ank Kumar - Source: Wiklimedia Commons

While many natural disasters have been harmed the structure of Colosseum over the centuries, two major earthquakes caused the main damage that we see today. This happened in 847 AD and 1231 AD.

 

Fact 12: Flora around the Colosseum.

Not only historians and archaeologists who were fascinated by Colosseum - Botany experts were also really interested in this. Over the years, since 1642 specifically, they have made a catalog of plant species that have been rooted in this destroyed amphitheater. The number stands around 337.

 

Fact 13: Colosseum is a World Heritage Site.

Colosseum was declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980.

 

Fact 14: It is a famous tourist attraction.

By Diliff - Source: Wikimedia Commons

According to a report, over 7.6 million visitors visited Colosseum in 2019. It is the most famous and great tourist attraction in Italy and one of the most popular sites in the world.