12 Fascinating Facts About the Colosseum in Rome That Will Leave You Speechless

The Roman Colosseum in Rome, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, is one of the most iconic and recognizable monuments in the world. Its history, architecture, and the sheer scale of its construction make it a fascinating site filled with secrets and curiosities. Here are 12 fascinating facts about the Colosseum in Rome that will surely leave you speechless.

1. Why the Name "Colosseum"?

The name “Colosseum” was not the original name of the amphitheater. When it was inaugurated in 80 AD, it was called the Flavian Amphitheater, in honor of the dynasty of emperors who built it. So, where did the name "Colosseum" come from?

The name originated during the Middle Ages, due to a colossal bronze statue of Nero that stood near the amphitheater. This statue was known as the "Colossus of Nero." Over time, the term "Colosseum" began to be used to refer to the amphitheater itself, and thus the name we know today came into use.

2. It’s the Largest Amphitheater in the World

The Roman Colosseum in Rome is the largest amphitheater ever built, and its dimensions are truly impressive. It stands nearly 50 meters tall, with a perimeter of around 527 meters. It could accommodate over 50,000 spectators, with some estimates reaching up to 80,000, making it a masterpiece of Roman engineering and architecture.

This gigantic amphitheater was constructed in a record time of less than a decade, and its size and design have inspired architects and engineers for centuries. To this day, it remains a symbol of the grandeur of ancient Rome and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world.

3. Over 100,000 Slaves Worked on Its Construction

The construction of the Colosseum in Rome was not only an architectural achievement but also a labor feat. It’s estimated that over 100,000 slaves worked on building the amphitheater. These slaves were brought from various parts of the Roman Empire, many of them war prisoners.

These workers were responsible for extracting and transporting enormous blocks of travertine stone, as well as performing the most arduous construction tasks. The speed with which the Colosseum was built, considering the methods of the time, is a testament to the extraordinary effort exerted by these people.

4. Access to the Colosseum Was Free

One of the most surprising facts about the Roman Colosseum is that, in ancient times, access to the amphitheater was completely free for Roman citizens. This was part of the "panem et circenses" (bread and circuses) policy, through which emperors ensured popular support by organizing free events and shows for the public.

Spectators received tickets in the form of small tablets that indicated their seat, ensuring an orderly flow of people in an amphitheater that could hold tens of thousands of spectators. Events at the Colosseum were one of the main forms of entertainment of the time, and their free access made it a social gathering place for all Romans, regardless of social class.

5. Events at the Colosseum Lasted for 100 Days

When the Roman Colosseum in Rome was inaugurated by Emperor Titus in 80 AD, an opening event was organized that lasted no less than 100 days. During this period, a vast array of games and shows were held, including gladiatorial combats, wild animal hunts, and executions.

This marathon of entertainment was a display of the power and wealth of the Roman Empire. It’s said that during these 100 days, thousands of gladiators and wild animals were sacrificed for the crowd’s delight. The emperors used these events to demonstrate their generosity and keep the population entertained and satisfied.

6. It’s Built with Travertine Stone

The Colosseum in Rome is primarily constructed with travertine stone, a sedimentary rock quarried from Tivoli, about 30 kilometers from Rome. This stone was transported to the construction site via an ingenious system of carts and canals.

It’s estimated that around 100,000 cubic meters of travertine were used in the construction of the Colosseum. The stones were held together with iron clamps, and the structure was designed with such precision that it has withstood the test of time, despite earthquakes and other natural disasters that have affected Rome.

The travertine gives the Colosseum its characteristic golden color, which changes with the sunlight, and is one of the reasons this monument is so iconic.

7. It Featured Advanced Technology to Cover the Stands with Movable Awnings

One of the most advanced features of the Roman Colosseum in Rome was its velarium system, a massive awning that covered the stands and protected spectators from the sun and rain. This system was operated by specialized sailors from the imperial fleet, who used ropes and pulleys to extend and retract the awning as needed.

The velarium covered two-thirds of the amphitheater and consisted of enormous segments of fabric attached to rings and extended from the top of the Colosseum. This ingenious system allowed spectators to enjoy the events in much more comfortable conditions, highlighting the sophistication of Roman engineering.

8. Julius Caesar Never Set Foot in the Colosseum

Although Julius Caesar is one of the most well-known figures of ancient Rome, he never saw the Colosseum completed. Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC, while the construction of the Colosseum began decades later, in 70 AD, under Emperor Vespasian.

The Flavian Amphitheater in Rome was built as part of the Flavian dynasty’s efforts to restore Rome’s grandeur after the turbulent civil war that followed Nero’s death. Although Caesar played a crucial role in the expansion of the Roman Empire, his time in history ended long before the Colosseum was conceived.

9. It Had 80 Entrances

The design of the Roman Colosseum in Rome included 80 entrances, allowing tens of thousands of spectators to enter and exit the amphitheater within minutes. These entrances were numbered and assigned to different sections of the amphitheater, facilitating the flow of people.

The main entrances, known as vomitoria, were designed in such a way that spectators could enter and exit quickly, avoiding congestion. This layout was so effective that the term "vomitorium" is still used in modern architecture to describe rapid exits in stadiums and theaters.

This system of entrances also reflected the social organization of Rome, with the upper classes seated closer to the arena, while the plebeians and other common citizens were placed in the upper levels.

10. It Has Suffered Numerous Natural Disasters

Over the centuries, the Colosseum in Rome has endured the impact of several natural disasters, including earthquakes, fires, and even lightning strikes. One of the most devastating events was the earthquake of 1349, which caused the collapse of the amphitheater’s southern side.

Some of the stones that fell during this earthquake were reused to construct other buildings in Rome, including churches and palaces. Despite these damages, the Colosseum has survived and remains one of the most impressive structures of ancient Rome.

Throughout history, the Colosseum has also been a victim of looting and vandalism, especially during the Middle Ages, when it was used as a quarry for building materials.

11. Naval Battles Were Reenacted in the Arena: Naumachiae

One of the most surprising facts about the Roman Colosseum is that, in its early years, it was used to reenact naval battles, known as naumachiae. For these spectacles, the amphitheater’s floor was filled with water, transforming it into an artificial lake where naval combat simulations were held.

These events were extremely costly and complicated to organize, but they showcased the power and opulence of the Roman emperors. The ships used in the naumachiae were authentic replicas of war vessels, and the "sailors" were often prisoners or slaves who fought to the death.

The naumachiae were some of the most impressive spectacles held at the Colosseum, and although these events didn’t last long, they remain a testament to the Romans’ ability to transform their environment for entertainment purposes.

12. It Was Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Colosseum in Rome is more than just a monument; it’s a symbol of Rome’s history and culture, and of Western civilization in general. In 1980, along with the Roman Forum and other historic sites in Rome, the Colosseum was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This designation recognizes the historical and cultural importance of the Colosseum and ensures that measures will be taken for its preservation and conservation for future generations. Today, the Colosseum receives millions of visitors each year, who come to admire its majesty and learn about the history of the Roman Empire.

The Colosseum in Rome is an architectural marvel and a lasting symbol of ancient Rome. These 12 fascinating facts offer just a glimpse into the rich history and incredible features of this iconic monument. From its massive construction and advanced technology to its use in spectacular shows and its resilience to natural disasters, the Flavian Amphitheater in Rome remains an endless source of fascination.

If you plan to visit the Colosseum, be sure to book your tickets for the Roman Colosseum in Italy and other monuments like the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, or Pantheon in advance to avoid long lines and make the most of your experience in one of the most historic cities in the world.