It is one of the most visited monuments in Italy, the very symbol of ancient Rome, one of the seven wonders of the modern world, a place that, like few others, has been able to ignite the collective imagination and inspire poets, writers, painters, but also singers and directors.
What to see and how to visit the Colosseum in Rome
The Flavian Amphitheater, known as the Colosseum, is undoubtedly one of the most visited and photographed monuments in the world. Built in the 1st century AD, it was the site of gladiator shows until 438, when the Games were abolished.
Despite the passage of time and the effects that derive from it, the Colosseum is still today a monument that not only tells the ancient history of Rome, but also lends itself to being a fascinating place for art exhibitions and many other cultural initiatives.
Arena floor
The entrance to the Colosseum is along Via dei Fori Imeriali. Once inside, the first part that can be visited is the floor of the arena, or the space where the gladiators once performed.
Here you can observe the structure of the imposing amphitheater from the inside and observe the ancient staircase intended for the public. The seats were divided according to the degree of origin, so the patricians, that is, the nobility, sat first, and the rest of the public had to sit high on wooden stands.
The underground
From the arena floor, thanks to the purchase of a special ticket, you can reach the basement where important finds were found: the freight elevator, which allowed the entry of large animals, is still visible. You will also notice a sewer system that allowed water to be used in several places in the arena.
Some underground structures have remained intact and have retained their marble appearance. Given the considerable amount of tourists I recommend you to buy Colosseum underground tours that will guide you in the underground and show you everything there is to discover.
What to know about the arena
The arena was essentially a wooden floor completely covered in sand. It was created to cover the hypogeum, a substructure that was not part of the original structure.
Most of the arena has been destroyed over the years, but some sections have remained intact enough for public visits. The arena is where gladiator-animal fights took place, and visitors can explore the battlefield.
A little history of the Colosseum
The Colosseum was built by the Flavian dynasty, led by the emperor Vespasian and his son Titus, between 72 and 80 AD. Historically also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the informal name of the arena is inspired by the colossal statue of Nero that stood nearby.
The space on which the Colosseum was built was a densely populated region of ancient Rome, nestled between the Celio, the Esquiline and the Palatine. However, the area was completely destroyed by the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD. After the crash, Nero took over the land and added it to his personal domain.
Nero built the imposing palace complex of the Domus Aurea and laid the foundations for an artificial lake, pavilions, gardens and arcades.
