A Visit To The Roman Colosseum

Last Updated on September 2, 2022 by Left Lane

Photo of the Roman Colosseum, which was built in 80 A.D. Making the Colosseum, or Colosseo as it’s known in Italian, well over 1900 years old

The Roman Colosseum is a remarkable structure to visit in person. It’s a massive ancient amphitheater. At the time of its completion, the reigning Emperor of Rome was Titus. He was mostly known for conquering, and destroying Jerusalem. During the first Roman-Jewish war in 70 A.D.

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After his death, in reverence of his conquest of Jerusalem, the Arch of Titus was built in his honor. Which still stands on the grounds to the East of the Colosseum. The Colosseum is over 157’ feet tall, that’s the modern day equivalent of a 15 story building.

The Arch of Titus was built in 81 A.D. by the Roman Emperor Domitian. To honor Titus’s victory in battle over Jerusalem in 71 A.D. This particular Triumphal Arch, has been used as a template for the creation of many Arches built after the 1500’s including the Arch De Triumph in Paris, France

The Roman Colosseum was the largest ancient amphitheater ever built. Seating up to 80,000 spectators. It could even be flooded for re-enactments of famous Roman sea battles during theatrical performances.

This ancient structure is also one of the current New 7 Wonders of the World! Only adding to it’s reputation as one of the most famous landmarks in the world. To see a complete list of all 7 Wonders of The World: CLICK HERE.

Features of the Roman Colosseum

It’s most well known uses for the Romans were Gladiator Games, Executions, and Animal Hunts. It was covered by a Velarium sail type sun shade. Which is a type of retractable roof, or awning that was suspended using wooden masts, and rope. It encompassed the complete Oval of the Colosseum.

The Velarium was created with the sole purpose of protecting the Colosseum’s Spectators from the Suns intense rays. When Roman Events like the Gladiator contests were held there. It also acted as a ventilation system. Capable of catching wind to create a cooling breeze for spectators.

Photo depicting an inside view of the Colosseo. There was a Chapel (which later turned the arena floor into a Cemetery), houses, and work shops built into the Colosseums interior. These were rented out inside the Colosseum from around 590 A.D.. At one point near 1200 A.D. the Frangipani family moved into the Colosseo. They attempted to fortify the structure, and use it as their personal Castle… Photo Credit

The Roman Colosseum is built of three different kinds of rock: Limestone, Volcanic Rock, and Roman Concrete Bricks. Through strategic engineering, this mix of long lasting structural materials, helped aid with it’s longevity.

The Colosseum has existed for nearly 2000 years. During that time it’s survived Stone Robbers, fires caused by lightning strikes, wars, and numerous Earthquakes.

School Of Gladiators

After parking our car on a street a few blocks from the Colosseum. We walked down a narrow one-way street. Which brought us to the ancient training School, and arena for the Gladiators. The ones who fought at the Colosseum, it’s known as the Ludus Magnus.

Photo I took of the remains of the Ludus Magnus as we passed by on Via di S. Giovanni. Which is directly across the street from the Colosseum. The Ludus Magnus was built around 90 A.D under the rule of Emperor Domitian.

This Gladiatorial training arena is where, all the Gladiators from all over the Roman territories would gather. Here they would practice, eat, and sleep as they geared up for the Gladiatorial fights. Where they would often fight until the death.

When the gladiators entered the Colosseum arena to fight for the Roman spectators. They could enter using the network of underground tunnels linking the Ludus Magnus to the Colosseum. This was a preplanned benefit utilizing it’s proximity to the Grand Amphitheater.