12 Fascinating Facts About the Roman Colosseum That Will Leave You Speechless

1. Why the Name "Colosseum"?

It was originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre when it opened in 80 AD, in honour of the line of emperors who actually initiated its construction. So you have to wonder where the name Colosseum actually comes from. It appeared in the Middle Ages when people mentioned the huge bronze statue of Nero that stood near the amphitheatre.

The statue itself was called the Colossus of Nero. As time passed, Colosseum took its first steps to be associated only with the Amphitheatre and in the end would become its formalized designation.

2. The Colosseum Rome is the Largest Amphitheater in the World

The Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre ever built and has some pretty impressive dimensions. It stands almost 50 metres high, has a circumference of about 527 metres and seats more than 50,000 spectators - estimates go as high as 80,000!

It is an extraordinary example of Roman engineering and architecture. Built in less than ten years, this vast amphitheatre has inspired architects and engineers for centuries with its size and design. It is still considered one of the masterpieces, a miracle, left from the time known as Ancient Rome. It is also one of the most visited places 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 labour achievement. It is estimated that more than 100,000 slaves worked on the construction of the amphitheatre. Most were prisoners of war from different parts of the Roman Empire.

They were responsible for removing and transporting the large blocks of travertine stone, as well as carrying out the heaviest construction work. The speed with which the Colosseum was built, using the techniques of the time, speaks volumes about the vigorous efforts of these individuals.

4. Access to the Colosseum Was Free

One of the surprising facts about the Roman Colosseum that is not generally known is that, in ancient times, ordinary Roman citizens were allowed absolutely free entry to the Colosseum. This was part of a policy known as "panem et circenses," meaning bread and circuses, by which the emperors ensured popular support by providing free events and spectacles for the masses.

Tickets were distributed in the form of small tablets that marked seats and helped to keep an orderly flow of people in an amphitheatre that could hold many thousands. Events at the Colosseum were a major source of entertainment in those days, and since there was no entrance fee, it became a meeting place for all Romans, regardless of their social status.

5. Events at the Colosseum Lasted for 100 Days

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

This marathon of entertainment was a display of the power and wealth of the Roman Empire. It is said that during these 100 days thousands of gladiators and wild animals were sacrificed for the pleasure of the crowds. The emperors used these events to demonstrate their generosity and to keep the population entertained and happy.

6. The Roman Colosseum is Built with Travertine Stone

The Colosseum in Rome is made of travertine stone. This type of sedimentary rock comes from Tivoli, a place about 30 kilometres from the city. A new system of carts and canals was used to transport the stone to the site. It is thought that around 100,000 cubic metres of travertine were used to build the Colosseum.

The stones were held together with iron clamps, and the way the structure was built was so careful that it has withstood the many earthquakes and other disasters that have struck Rome. Travertine gives the Colosseum its bright golden colour, which changes with the angle of the sun. This is one of the factors that make the monument so iconic.

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

A great advance of the Roman Colosseum in Rome was its velarium system, an awning that protected the spectators from sun and rain. The system was operated by skilled sailors in the imperial fleet using ropes and pulleys to adjust the position of the awning as required.

The amphitheatre was covered by the velarium, which made up two-thirds of the structure. This impressive structure included large pieces of cloth attached to rings and pulled from the upper part of the Colosseum. Such an ingenious system allowed people to watch events in much better conditions and showed how advanced Roman engineering was.

8. Julius Caesar Never Set Foot in the Colosseum

Julius Caesar is one of the most famous people from ancient Rome, but he never saw the Colosseum. He died in 44 BC because the people killed him. Construction of the Colosseum began many years later, in 70 AD, during the reign of Emperor Vespasian.

The Flavian Amphitheatre in Rome was begun as part of the policy of the House of Flavius to restore the splendour of Rome after the confusion and civil war that followed the death of Nero. Although Caesar played an important role in the expansion of the Roman Empire, his historical period ended long before anyone thought of building the Colosseum.

9. The Colosseum had 80 Entrances

The Roman Colosseum in Rome had a plan of 80 gates through which many thousands of spectators could enter and leave the theatre in a matter of minutes. These gates were numerically arranged and assigned to different parts of the amphitheatre to improve the flow of people.

The main entrances, known as vomitoria, were designed to allow all spectators to enter and leave the theatre easily and quickly, thus reducing congestion. The plan was so successful that the word 'vomitorium' is still used in modern architecture to refer to the rapid exit from theatres and stadiums. The placement of the openings also reflected the social order of Rome, with the rich closer to the field and the plebeians and other ordinary people sitting in the higher rows.

10. The Colosseum in Rome Has Suffered Numerous Natural Disasters

Over the centuries, the Colosseum in Rome has survived many natural disasters. Earthquakes, fires and even lightning strikes were among them. One of the most devastating events was the earthquake of 1349, which caused the southern side of this great amphitheatre to collapse.

Some of the stones that fell were used to build many buildings in Rome, such as churches and palaces. Even with so much damage, the Colosseum has survived and still stands as one of the great buildings of ancient Rome. Throughout history, the Colosseum has suffered acts of theft and vandalism, especially in the Middle Ages when it was re-utilised as a source of material for building.

11. Naval Battles in the Colosseum were Reenacted in the Arena: Naumachiae

One of the most amazing facts about the Colosseum is that in its early days it was used for naval battles. To stage these spectacular events, water was poured onto the floor of this huge amphitheatre and an artificial lake was created to simulate sea battles.

These events were very expensive to organise and took a lot of work, but they showed the power and might of the Roman emperors. The ships used in the naumachia were replicas of warships, and mostly prisoners or slaves who had died in battle often served as "sailors".

12. The Colosseum was Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Colosseum, Rome, is not only a building, but also a part of the history and culture of Rome and of Western civilisation itself. In 1980, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with the Forum Romanum and several other historic sites in Rome. This recognises the cultural and historical value of the site. It ensures that steps are taken to preserve and conserve such a landmark for the benefit of future generations.

Today, many people visit the site, attracted by its majesty and eager to learn about the history of one of the world's greatest empires. As one of the lasting identities of ancient Rome and an architectural marvel, the Colosseum has a great capacity to fascinate with history and features that are truly boundlessly interesting.

These twelve facts about the amphitheatre give just a taste of its colourful background and impressive features. From great feats of construction and engineering, to hosting spectacles and surviving against the odds several natural disasters, this very iconic monument holds endless interest.

Planning a visit to the Colosseum?
Get your tickets for the Roman Colosseum in Italy as well as tickets for other major sites such as the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel or the Pantheon. Buy them well in advance to beat the long queues and make your time in one of the world's most historic cities that much better.