The Colosseum tour is famous for its Underground and historical values. This 2000-year-old monument enriches ancient history, culture, and tradition. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. What was once a hotbed of wars and bloodshed is now a ruin and a heritage monument with a wealth of stories.
Despite the fact that it has been abandoned for many years. Now this place is restored and has become one of the hottest tourist spots in Rome.
This well-loved place have stored so many unknown facts. So be prepared yourself to unveil some startling and unexpected truths about the Colosseum.
Know about Colosseum
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You may have heard about the Colosseum by reading history in school. Or by watching a movie about Rome. Rome is all about great Roman history with ancient value.
Did you watch the movie called ‘Gladiator’? This movie was directed by Ridley Scott. Story and characterizations are built into the ancient game. Full of great gladiator battles. Watching this you will learn much about those gladiator times.
Do you know what is truly amazing about the Colosseum? Before you travel, here’s what you should know.
The Colosseum is the world’s largest and most historic amphitheater. It is one of the best ancient Roman Empire remains, dating back to AD 70. According to legend, this sand and stone building could hold 80,000 people at once. On average, however, 65,000 people would flock to the oval building to watch the gladiators in action. The arena measures 83 by 48 meters.
There’s also a subterranean section known as the hypogeum that can be seen today. Historians claim that this was the location where animals & gladiators were kept hostage.
The Colosseum is found today at the closer east of the famous Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.
History Beneath the Colosseum
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Emperor Vespasian commissioned the Colosseum between 70 and 72 AD. He intended for the edifice to be a gift to the people of Rome.
The edifice was financed with funds confiscated from the Jewish Temple. According to Historian, a large portion of the workforce consisted of Jewish prisoners deported to Rome. There were paid artists, builders, engineers, painters, and decorators behind this immense structure.
But at last, luck didn’t support it. Emperor Vespasian died before the Colosseum was even completed. But that didn’t keep the structure incomplete. Later his son Titus completed the work. It was officially opened for the public in 80 AD. At that time this amphitheater was formerly known as Flavian Amphitheater. Officially now it is known as Colosseum.
The first day at Colosseum kicked things off with a flourish. 100 days of games that included animal fights and gladiator battles were organized.
According to folklore, 9,000 wild animals were slaughtered. To celebrate this first opening occasion memorial coins were created.
After Titus, Emperor Domitian took the responsibility to upgrade the Colosseum. During his reign, underground passages and galleries were added to the Colosseum.
There were also some unpleasant incidents that occurred. The structure was devastated by an earthquake in 1349. As a result, the materials of this structure were repurposed as they came apart.
Natural calamities and the disposal of materials destroyed about two-thirds of the Colosseum by the turn of the twentieth century. Restorative initiatives did not truly begin until the 1990s.
After the reconstruction, it now attracts millions of tourists from all over the world.
Colosseum Underground Tour
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The most anticipated topic about the Colosseum Tour. The Underground.
The underground is also known as Hypogeum. It wasn’t in the initial structure. But later Emperor Domitian authorized the underground.
The complete construction of the Arena took about ten years. Underground has two primary corridors and a labyrinth of tunnels. This area was used to house animals and gladiators before competitions.
It had 80 vertical tunnels that allowed the former to enter the arena quickly. The underground was reconstructed at least twelve times.
There are various mechanisms behind the Colosseum underground. Such as various elevators and hydraulic systems.
Earlier this underground part was totally buried. Excavation began towards the end of the nineteenth century and lasted into the 1930s. And in 2010, tourists were only allowed to visit underground.
Considering the popularity this place holds. Colosseum Underground Tour is exclusively available at Rome Tour Tickets. Just visit the website to book your ticket online.
What to Expect When Touring the Colosseum
Arena Floor
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Your tour will begin on the arena floor. It is known as the gladiator battle stage. This retractable floor offers an interesting viewpoint of the overall structure.
You’ll enter the colosseum through the Gate of death where you’ll see the vast amphitheater from the perspective of the gladiators.
Palatine Hill
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This hill overlooks the Roman Forum and provides breathtaking views of these historic remains. This neighborhood was originally the heart of Rome. So many ancient temples, emperors, and Roman aristocracy lived here.
This hill is situated near the colosseum. After your tour ends at the Colosseum, you can tour the ruins and learn about the stories of legends.
Roman Forum
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This must-see landmark is located near the Colosseum. It served as a focal point for local life and religion during the Roman Empire.
You can walk around here freely and learn so much about Roman social & political life. You can also get a glimpse of many temples that remain here. Massive columns, arches, and a basilica formerly stood here. Which has since devolved into ruins.
Interesting facts about Colosseum
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The gladiator games came to life thanks to the Colosseum Underground tour. So many unknown stories lie beneath here. Colosseum Underground is a tourist hotspot for some good reasons. Here’s why.
Emperor Nero assassinated him in 65 AD. The Colosseum, on the other hand, was built under the reign of the Vespasians. Nero’s golden palace was destroyed by a fire. Vespasian assured the Romans that on the same site, he would construct an amphitheater for public entertainment. And that’s how the Colosseum came into the picture.
For such a grand construction like the Colosseum, the building process was rather swift. It was built in under ten years. Titus officially launched the Colosseum to the Roman audience in 80 AD.
The Colosseum has a unique appearance. It features three stories, with round columns supporting each entrance. The entire construction was far too advanced for the time. The Arch of Constantine can be found at the main entrance. It was built in 315 AD to honor the victory.
Thousands of Jewish slaves built the Colosseum. And today it has become an iconic symbol of Rome.
In the inauguration event of the Colosseum in 80 AD., special coins were made to honor this day. The coin was made with an original copper alloy. On one side of the coin, there was a picture of the Colosseum. And on the other side, Emperor Titus took the place. The actual coin now can be found at a museum. Also, you can even find it without even going to the museum. How? While you’re in Italy, look for 5 cent coins to keep as a souvenir.
Inside the amphitheater, there were two large gates for those fighting on the arena floor. When the Gladiators entered the Colosseum arena to salute the Emperor, they used the Gate of Life as their entry. There were two exits depending on the fate of their battle. Those who win the game can depart using the same gate ‘Gate of Life’. And those who were defeated would exit by the Gate of Death.
The remains of the Ludus Magnus can be found just over the road from the Colosseum. The most prominent gladiator training camp in ancient Rome was located here. Gladiator prepared in front of the Colosseum’s roaring spectators. There was a tunnel connecting it to the Colosseum. It allows the amphitheater to stage as many battles per day as possible.
The movie reference that I mentioned earlier was not actually filmed in Rome. Ridley Scott, the movie director, made a replica of the colosseum from scratch in Malta.
And the most surprising part, he totally nailed it. With the help of his technician crew, he successfully created the actual ambiance without visiting the Colosseum.
The Colosseum had plenty of Roman trap doors, underground corridors, and apartments. Those were used to keep the gladiators and animals safe.
The Colosseum was used as a seed of building materials until the early 18th century.
The Colosseum was once purposefully inundated with water to mimic naval battles.
Because of violence, almost two-thirds of the Colosseum structure was destroyed.
Earlier the entry fee was free for spectators. Because emperors organize this game only for gaining popularity.
For all of the games that took place at the Colosseum, almost 1 million animals and 400,000 people died.
Wrapping up
The city of Rome has it all: historical buildings, Mediterranean weather, magnificent landscapes, and so on. The Colosseum is the most fascinating site Rome has to offer. Given how popular the underground tour of the Colosseum is. The fact that the Colosseum can only hold 3000 people at a time. And the place is always overcrowded with tourists. So it’s recommended to use your skip-the-line tickets from Rome Tour Tickets.
