The Colosseum: The Story of Rome’s Greatest Ancient Arena

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In the centre of Rome, just east of the Roman Forum, stands one of the most famous buildings in the world: the Colosseum. This vast elliptical amphitheatre is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built and remains the largest standing amphitheatre today.

Built during the rule of the Flavian emperors, it was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. Over time, it became better known as the Colosseum, and it is now one of the strongest symbols of Imperial Rome.

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The Name and Its Origins

When it was first built, the structure was simply called amphitheatrum, meaning amphitheatre. Later, scholars referred to it as the Flavian Amphitheatre because it was constructed under the Flavian dynasty.

The name “Colosseum” is believed to come from a colossal statue of Nero that once stood nearby. This giant bronze statue, modelled on the Colossus of Rhodes, was moved beside the amphitheatre by Emperor Hadrian. The Latin word colosseus means “gigantic,” and by the year 1000 the name “Colosseum” was being used to describe the amphitheatre itself.

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Built by the Flavian Emperors

Construction began under Emperor Vespasian around AD 70–72. By the time of his death in AD 79, the building had reached the third storey. It was completed in AD 80 under his son, Emperor Titus, and the inaugural games were held in AD 80 or 81.

Further modifications were made by Emperor Domitian, who added the hypogeum — a network of underground tunnels used to house animals and slaves — and increased the seating capacity with an additional gallery.

The Colosseum was built using travertine limestone, tuff, brick-faced Roman concrete, wood, tiles, cement, and mortar. It is estimated that over 100,000 cubic metres of travertine stone were used, held together by around 300 tons of iron clamps.

At different points in its history, the Colosseum could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, with an average audience of about 65,000 people.

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What Took Place Inside

The Colosseum was designed for public spectacles. Gladiatorial contests were among the most popular events. These shows, called munera, were sponsored by private individuals rather than the state.

Animal hunts, known as venationes, were also popular. Wild animals were imported from Africa and the Middle East, including rhinoceroses, elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, bears, crocodiles, and ostriches.

Executions were often carried out during lunch intervals. Those condemned were sent into the arena to face wild beasts.

Re-enactments of famous battles and dramas based on Roman mythology were also staged. In its early years, the Colosseum was even used for mock sea battles, although this practice ended after the hypogeum was constructed.

The hypogeum is a two-level underground system of tunnels and cages that lies beneath the floor of the arena. Eighty vertical shafts allowed animals and scenery to be lifted quickly into the arena. Machinery, including elevators and pulleys, helped create dramatic and complex performances.

A Remarkable Design

Exterior

The Colosseum is 189 metres long and 156 metres wide, with an outer wall height of 48 metres. Its perimeter originally measured 545 metres.

The façade has three levels of arches framed by half-columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles. Above these stands an attic level with windows placed at regular intervals.

Around the top were 240 mast corbels that supported the velarium, a retractable awning that protected spectators from the sun and rain. Sailors from the Roman naval headquarters at Misenum were specially enlisted to operate this vast canvas structure.

Although earthquakes and stone robbers caused severe damage over the centuries, much of the inner wall still stands today.

Interior

The seating was arranged in tiers according to Roman social class. Special boxes were reserved for the Emperor and the Vestal Virgins, offering the best views of the arena. Senators sat on a broad platform nearby and could bring their own chairs.

Above them sat the noble class, followed by ordinary Roman citizens. The uppermost level, added by Domitian, was used by the poor, slaves, and women. Some groups, such as gravediggers and former gladiators, were banned altogether.

The amphitheatre had 80 entrances at ground level. Seventy-six were used by ordinary spectators. Each entrance and staircase was numbered, allowing the huge crowds to enter and leave quickly.

The World Around the Arena

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The Colosseum was supported by several nearby buildings. The Ludus Magnus, a training school for gladiators, stood just to the east and was connected by an underground passage.

Other structures included the Armamentarium for storing weapons, the Sanitarium for treating wounded fighters, and the Spoliarium where armour was removed from the dead.

Decline and Changing Uses

Gladiatorial fights were banned in 399 and again in 404. Animal hunts continued until at least 523. After that, the Colosseum slowly fell out of use as an entertainment venue.

In later centuries, it was used for housing, workshops, a fortress, and even a quarry. Much of its stone was taken to build other structures in Rome.

A major earthquake in 1349 caused the collapse of the outer south wall. Over time, vegetation grew across the ruins.

A Sacred Site

In 1749, Pope Benedict XIV declared the Colosseum a sacred site, believing it to be a place where early Christians were martyred. He prohibited the use of its stones for building and installed Stations of the Cross.

The Pope still leads a torchlit Way of the Cross procession every Good Friday that starts near the Colosseum.

The Colosseum Today

Despite centuries of damage, the Colosseum remains one of Rome’s most popular attractions. It was listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and appears on the Italian version of the 5 euro cent coin.

Major restoration work was carried out between 1993 and 2000. Further restoration began in 2013 with private sponsorship. The underground passages were opened to the public in 2010, and upper levels have also become accessible through guided visits.

Although its interior is too fragile for large events, concerts have been held nearby, using the Colosseum as a dramatic backdrop.

Planning Your Visit

Entry tickets are required for general visits to the Colosseum, and some areas, such as the underground and upper tiers, require guided access. It is generally recommended that you visit in the early mornings or on weekdays, when the crows are smaller.

The Colosseum stands in central Rome, near other ancient Roman sites, making the area around it a good place to start when exploring the city and its history. Some guided tours may take you to the Colosseum and then to other nearby sites, such as the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

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