The Colosseum in Rome has a 2000-year history that is full of tradition. Why it's among the most visited locations in the world is not surprising. What was once the scene of bloody conflicts is now a ruin and heritage monument with a wealth of history. Even though the arena has been vacant for a while, restoration efforts are currently underway. These Colosseum facts will surprise and shock you in unexpected ways.
1 - Around the fifth century, the Colosseum started to fall apart.
1 - Around the fifth century, the Colosseum started to fall apart.
Visitors to the Colosseum started to become less interested when the Roman Empire started to fall apart in the fifth century. During natural calamities like earthquakes and thunderstorms, the Colosseum suffered significant damage from neglect, and vandalism also played a role. The Catholic Church didn't get involved in its preservation until far into the 18th century, and successive popes participated in conservation efforts.
2 - The Colosseum may recreate water combat.
Rome needed space to set up for water-based wars in addition to the land-based conflicts that were unquestionably the Colosseum's main attraction. Before, the Colosseum's intricate plumbing system allowed for the stadium to be flooded to simulate an ocean. The arena might be used by soldiers to practice what might occur to them in actual combat situations when they are on the open seas.
3 - Gladiators have women.
Women gladiators were rather popular in gladiator competitions, even though they weren't always the main attraction, especially when the empire's later years rolled around. It's interesting that they were called ludia, which is Greek for a woman competing in a game. We assume that the women who participated were likely from the lower classes, as they were never referred to as "ladies" or "femina" in Latin.
4 - It wasn't always known as the Colosseum.
Around 70 CE, Vespasian, the Flavian Emperor, gave the order for the Colosseum to be constructed in the heart of ancient Rome. In 80 CE, Titus, his son and a future Flavian Emperor, inaugurated the arena with 100 days for gladiatorial contests. The Flavian Amphitheatre was the name Titus gave the arena when he first opened it in homage to the Flavian Dynasty; the word "Colosseum" wasn't attached to the building until much later.
5 - The major draws during the Colosseum games were gladiatorial.
5 - The major draws during the Colosseum games were gladiatorial.
Gladiatorial games were frequently present in the amphitheater, in addition to pretend combat and animal hunts. The gladiators were either condemned criminals or military prisoners who were sold into slavery. These were mostly male fighters, but there were also some female gladiators.
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The games occasionally lasted 100 days! But eventually gladiator combat and animal killing were outlawed from the competitions. In 435 AD, the final gladiator battles took place, and in 532 AD, the final animal hunts were conducted.
7 - The Colosseum features 80 entrances.
There are 80 ways to enter and leave the Colosseum. The arena used to be able to hold 80,000 spectators at once. The Colosseum is now used for tourist activities as well as occasional live entertainment. Only 50,000 people can be accommodated there during these events due to construction limitations and safety requirements. The 80 gates are not all being used; some have been blocked off for safety.
8 - After the passing of Emperor Nero, the Colosseum was built.
Emperor Nero murdered him in 65 AD. The consequences of his bad leadership led to numerous civil conflicts after his death. But the Colosseum didn't enter the picture until the Vespasians were in power. The Golden Palace that Emperor Nero constructed for himself was destroyed by fire in the city's heart. Vespasian promised the Roman populace that he would construct an amphitheater for public entertainment at the same location.
9 - Ancient Romans had free entry.
For ancient Romans, entrance to the Colosseum was free, unlike now when going to an arena for a sporting or musical event. Furthermore, they were fed during the event! The emperors allegedly did this in order to become more well-liked across the Roman empire. The Colosseum could host events for up to 100 days; thus, free admission and food were necessities. There were hours spent every day catching up with friends and taking in the spectacles.
10 - Your social standing affects where you are seated at the Colosseum.
Your position in the arena will depend on your social standing, and this is among the least well-known Colosseum truths. Although it is free for all Rome residents, there is a condition attached. Based on their income and social standing, spectators were divided into different groups. The affluent and senators would select seats close to the action. Women and the underprivileged would sit in the back rows. To maintain the division of classes and status, the arches served as a signpost to direct people to the appropriate part. Read This: 10 Short Facts About the Ancient Rome Empire