35 Fun Facts About the Colosseum in Rome You Probably Didn’t Know
Want to learn more about the Colosseum? This post will give all the fun facts about the Colosseum in Rome you might have not known before!
Imagine standing amid the bustling streets of ancient Rome, seeing a colossal monument in all its glory, and watching locals and travelers waiting to enter the arena for the games!
The monument in question is the timeless Colosseum in Rome. This architectural marvel with its unmistakable silhouette has witnessed nearly two millennia pass by.
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It has held numerous stories, secrets, countless events, and even more spectators.
The Colosseum’s history is rich and varied, although a lot of people are unaware of the many stories and mysteries surrounding this iconic monument.
To help you uncover all its secrets and increase your knowledge about it, here are 35 fun facts about the Colosseum you probably didn’t know before!
Before You Go, Here’s How To Plan Your Visit To Rome Quickly
Rome is a popular city which means that good hotels and tours book out fast, so before you go, make sure that you make your reservations in time to avoid disappointments! Below are my expert recommendations!
⏩ WHERE TO STAY IN ROME
Best Colosseum view: Hotel Palazzo Manfredi (8.8/10)
Luxury stay: H10 Palazzo Galla (9.2)
Mid-range stay: Barberini Dream (9.5/10)
Budget stay: Like Family House (9.4)
Apartment rental/Airbnb: Apartment Julia Guesthouse (8.4)
⏩ GUIDES TOURS AND TICKETS YOU SHOULD BOOK IN ADVANCE
Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (4.6/5). This is the exact tour I took, and I couldn’t have been happier. We had a knowledgeable and fun tour guide.
Skip-the-line ticket to the Sistine Chapel And The Vatican Museums with an audio guide (4.5/5). This ticket saved me a whopping 3 hours. You’ll pass in a dedicated Getyourguide line with it. It’s a true skip-the-line ticket.
Borghese Gallery guided tour (4.7/5). This is my favorite museum in Rome, and this tour made me fall in love with it even more.
Street food walking tour of Rome (4.8/5). If you want to taste Rome’s delicacies while exploring its popular neighborhood of Trastevere, then this is the food tour I recommend!
Fun Facts About the Colosseum
As one of the most iconic (and biggest) symbols of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum continues to attract millions of visitors from around the world who are keen on admiring its grandeur, learning more about its intriguing history, and taking in its fascinating architecture.
As we go through the annals of time, here are some fun facts that shed light on the lesser-known aspects of this colossal amphitheater.
Beyond the usual questions of when, why, and how it was built, you’ll also discover interesting anecdotes about the monument and the games held within its ancient walls.
So without any further ado, here are the interesting facts about the Colosseum!
1. The Colosseum’s name is a nod to the colossal statue of Emperor Nero
Let’s start this list of fun facts about the Colosseum with the history behind its name.
The name was derived from the statue of Emperor Nero which was located at the Domus Aurea entrance (the grand palace the Emperor built).
Although the Colossus of Nero statue is long gone, the name carried on and became synonymous with this iconic amphitheater.
2. The original name wasn’t Colosseum but Flavian Amphitheatre
Contrary to popular belief, the Colosseum was not the original name of this monument.
It was initially called the Flavian Amphitheatre as an ode to the dynasty name of Emperor Vespasian (Flavian dynasty) since he commissioned its construction, but was later changed to the Colosseum.
In fact, even to date, its official name is still the Flavian Amphitheater, although no one calls it that and it’s known as the Colosseum, both in Italy and worldwide.
3. No cement was used, instead they utilized travertine stone, sand, and iron pins
Here’s an interesting fact about the Colosseum that you might not know.
Built between 70 and 80 AD, the Colosseum is a testament to the engineering prowess of the Flavian dynasty since it was constructed without using cement.
A combination of Travertine stone mined at the quarries of Tivoli and sand was used and held together by iron clamps.
On the other hand, the interior boasted opulent marble seating. This construction technique of the Romans has no doubt stood the test of time.
4. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world
I’m sure this Colosseum architecture fact comes as no surprise.
Measuring 189 meters (615 ft) long and 156 meters (510 ft) wide with a surface area of 6 acres, the oval-shaped Colosseum stands as the largest Amphitheater in the world.
Its sheer size is awe-inspiring showcasing the architectural ingenuity of its time.
5. It is known for gladiator battles and venationes (animals pitted against skilled hunters)
The Colosseum is renowned for its epic gladiatorial battles where gladiators fought for glory and survival.
These intense contests remain an enduring symbol of ancient Roman entertainment to date.
Additionally, Venationes, where animals were pitted against skilled hunters were held here.
Also known as animal combat, many exotic animals and beasts were used for this and sadly many were killed just for people’s entertainment.
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6. The astounding estimated capacity Of The Colosseum ranged from 50,000 to 80,000 spectators
The Colosseum had an astounding capacity ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 spectators.
Its massive seating arrangements ensured that thousands could witness its events. I bet you didn’t know this Colosseum of Rome fact.
7. Mock sea battles and theatrical performances were also held here
While gladiator contests are the most famous events associated with the Colosseum, it also held other events.
From theatrical performances and mock sea battles to later church-related ceremonies, it hosted a wide array of entertainment, reflecting the diversity of ancient Roman interests.
Recreating sea battles meant that the monument would be flooded with water, and layers of sand would be added to absorb it transforming it into a makeshift arena for naval combat.
This is however disputed by some historians who insist that it would have been impossible to waterproof all the holes in the Colosseum to create a sea battle.
Psst… If you’re planning to visit the Colosseum, I highly recommend booking this guided tour! It combines the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum! I took this tour and learned so much about it! The tour guide was also fun, friendly and friendly which made the tour even more interesting. Plus, it wasn’t crowded so no one felt like they were left out!
8. It was constructed by thousands of Jewish slaves
As sad as this may sound, slavery was rampant at the time, wherein people from economically poorer countries/communities were exploited by the rich to carry out heavy work under terrible conditions.
The Colosseum was no different! It was constructed by nearly 60,000 to 100,000 Jewish slaves who were brought back to Rome after the Romans won the First Jewish–Roman War under the rule of Emperor Vespasian.
9. The arena had multiple trap doors and An underground network of tunnels and chambers
The arena had 36 trap doors for special effects and for creating dramatic entrances, as well as many underground passages for movement and rooms to hold wild animals and gladiators before the games began.
Using these trap doors, gladiators would “disappear” from one side of the arena and “reappear” on the other side by way of the passages and elevators.
Related Post: Best Museums in Rome
10. It also had “elevators”
The elevators used back then weren’t the same as we’re used to seeing in buildings and establishments today.
Under the Arena floor, planks of wood would act as the base while a rotating mechanism would elevate it above ground to the main fighting area or lower it. This is how fighters and animals were lifted to be visible to the public.
When the Colosseum underwent partial reconstruction, this elevator system was added to show visitors what it looked like.
11. It had an innovative feature — the retractable “velarium” or awning
Here’s another interesting Colosseum architecture fact. A huge retractable awning known as the velarium covered two-thirds of the seating area shielding spectators from the scorching Roman sun and sometimes rain.
This innovative feature was not only an architectural marvel at the time but more importantly, it ensured the audience’s comfort when it got too hot during daytime events.
However, managing the velarium took a lot of manpower! Approximately 100 people, mostly sailors were needed to work on it.
Related Post: Best Things to Do in Rome at Night
12. Estimates show that over 400,000 people and more than a million wild animals died during the games
It’s hard to know the exact number of deaths, but suffice it to say too many living beings lost their lives — gladiators, prisoners, slaves, and even animals including hippos, lions, tigers, elephants, and more.
Whether it was because of the staged hunts or the fact that convicts were “sentenced to die” while fighting in the arena.
This level of death and slaughter was only seen during wars, and it caused a large number of wildlife to extinct — which leads us to our next Colosseum fact.
13. The Colosseum is responsible for the extinction of some exotic animals
Adding to the previous point, the wildlife numbers plummeted so low that some historians even go as far as saying that certain species of exotic animals, particularly the North African elephants probably disappeared entirely because of the events in the Colosseum over the 400-odd years.
The last event in the Colosseum involving an animal was in 532 AD, according to sources.
14. The opening games or inaugural events went on for 100 days
During the inauguration of the Colosseum in 80 AD, Emperor Titus wanted to create a magnificent spectacle.
As a result, the inaugural/opening games extended over 100 days, providing everyone with the opportunity to revel in the spectacles and games while fostering social connections.
15. Natural disasters and vandalism destroyed much of the amphitheater
You might wonder how such a marvelous monument is in the state you see today. Well, this Colosseum fact might explain it; Natural disasters damaged part of it.
A massive lightning strike in 217 AD caused a fire that burnt the wooden portions of the monument although it was restored in 240.
After this, earthquakes in 443, 847, 1231, and 1349 AD caused more damage. What was left of it was ruined because of vandalism.
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16. the Colosseum became a Catholic shrine In The Middle Ages
We’ve looked at the multiple uses of the amphitheater above but this fact about the Roman Colosseum might surprise you.
The Colosseum became a religious shrine for the Catholics in medieval times, probably because it was believed that several Christians were executed there.
It even served as a fortress during times of conflict. Supposedly, the area was also used as a cemetery at some point.
17. The Colosseum was later also used for Papal ceremonies
By virtue of being used as a religious shrine, various religious ceremonies, like the Way of the Cross processions led by the Pope on Good Friday were held here.
This sacred ceremony continues to date with the Pope leading thousands of pilgrims in a torchlit procession starting from the Colosseum every Good Friday.
18. The Colosseum is a movie star in itself having featured in several films
Over the years, the Colosseum has starred in numerous films, most notably in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator (2000) which shows a glimpse of what gladiator flights were like in the Colosseum. In fact, this is one of the best movies set in Rome you should watch.
It has also appeared in other movies like Roman Holiday (1953), Jumper 2008, and more.
Its iconic appearance on the silver screen and the bestowment of the UNESCO World Heritage Site title further solidified its place in pop culture.
19. It is an architectural Wonder with well-planned entrances and exits
Each of the three levels of the Colosseum namely Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian has 80 arches.
Of these, 76 are numbered with Roman numerals, some of which are still visible today.
These numerals served as handy guides for spectators to locate their seats in the massive arena.
These well-planned entrances and exits also ensured a smooth flow of spectators during the events.
20. There are 80 entrances to the Colosseum
Out of the 80 entrances mentioned above, 76 were used by regular people to attend the games.
The remaining four entrances were reserved for special purposes or dignitaries, like the one used as the Gladiator’s Gate through which gladiators entered the Arena Floor.
Today, only 31 of the original 80 arches on the ground floor withstood the test of time and can be seen today.
21. The seating arrangements had a strict hierarchy
During those times, people were segregated based on their social standing or monetary worth. The Colosseum’s seating arrangement was no different.
The higher your social status, the higher your seat was in the Colosseum, providing a clearer view of the events below.
The entrances and exits were also earmarked accordingly.
22. Sometimes Emperors would pay for events in the Colosseum themselves but entry was free for all Roman citizens
To increase the turnouts and gain popularity, Emperors would sometimes pay for events at the Colosseum out of their pocket/treasury while keeping the entry free for all Roman citizens.
In addition to this, they would also arrange for food during the events which was also free of charge.
23. There Was Use Of Unique ancient tickets
As mentioned above, all Roman citizens had free entry into the Colosseum and could populate their designated stands.
But you might be wondering how they would find their seats, right? During those times, a unique system was used whereby attendees were given numbered pottery shards to find their seating. This is one of the earliest forms of tickets known.
24. The Colosseum is over 1900 years old
One of the most important historical facts about the Colosseum in Rome is its age.
Since it was built between 72 and 80 AD, with its officially inaugurated in 80 AD, the Colosseum’s age is over 1900 years old.
25. The Colosseum receives over 6 million visitors every year
This iconic Italian structure draws over 6 million visitors yearly, making it one of the most visited monuments in Rome, Italy, and probably the world as well.
That’s more than the population of two of its neighboring states, Vatican City and San Marino added.
26. The Colosseum was built for various reasons
If you’ve ever wondered why was the Colosseum built, here’s your answer.
Primarily, it was part of an imperial effort to revive Rome since it had gone through some very rough years.
The Amphitheater was meant to host gladiator contests, events, and performances, thus becoming a culturally significant monument and a place of entertainment for the Romans.
27. It is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site
In 1980, the Colosseum was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site thus becoming a global icon and a cultural treasure.
Then, in 2007 after counting millions of votes, the New 7 Wonders of the World list was released with the Colosseum on it..
28. It only took a decade to build the Colosseum
One would think that a colossal building of this size would take decades to build but, in reality, it only took 10 years to construct.
Although most sources quote 8 years, the reality is that it actually took 10 years!
The first 8 years were under Emperor Titus who inaugurated it in 80 AD, but after his brother, Domitian killed him, it went under 2 more years of construction, hence the 10-year period of construction.
29. The Colosseum was built using Rooted Items From The war
Among all the Colosseum facts and history, this one might rarely be mentioned, but here’s how the Colosseum project was funded.
When Titus was General in 70 AD, he conquered Jerusalem and brought back approximately 110,000 pounds of gold and silver which his father, Emperor Vespasian used to build the Flavian Amphitheater.
And let’s not forget the Jewish slaves he brought with him who later contributed to the Colosseum’s construction.
30. It was built On Top Of an Artificial lake
As part of the Golden Palace that Emperor Nero built for himself, he made a gigantic artificial lake surrounding it.
When Vespasian thought to build the Flavian Amphitheater, he had the water drained from the lake and had the huge Amphitheater built on top of it.
The engineers undertaking this effort constructed a series of canals as makeshift sewers allowing the water to drain.
31. The Colosseum originally had hues of pink and was not the brown we See Today
The Colosseum’s sandy, yellowish-brownish hue you see today was not the same back in the day.
Owing to the limestone and marble dust that were used, the structure was colored in hues of pink, peach, and beige.
With its archways painted and decorations adorning the arena, the Colosseum looked very different in its heyday.
32. They even had women gladiators (gladiatrix)
One of the interesting facts on the Roman Colosseum that many people don’t know is that it used to hold women’s fights too!
While male gladiators or simply gladiators would attract huge crowds, women gladiators, or gladiatrices had their own fanbase.
A woman gladiator was called a gladiatrix and like their male counterpart, would fight against another.
Although rare in their appearances, they were quite popular in these contests and entertained spectators just as much.
33. The last recorded gladiator game in the Colosseum was in the 5th century
It’s difficult to say with certainty the exact date of the last recorded game. Some sources say it was 404 AD while others say it was 438 AD.
But what’s known is that by the 5th century, the games were stopped by Emperor Honorius I.
The decline of the games came after Saint Telemachus tried to intervene in a gladiatorial fight and was stoned to death by spectators.
34. Apart from movies, even musicians have used this for gigs and concerts lately
We all know that the famous Gladiator movie (2000), starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix featured the Colosseum.
Apart from that, The Portrait of a Lady (1996) featuring Nicole Kidman, John Malkovich, and Christian Bale, The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003) featuring Hilary Duff and Adam Lamberg, and Spectre (2015) with Daniel Craig as James Bond also featured the monument.
Additionally, it has also been used for gigs and concerts by Paul McCartney and the bands Pink Floyd and The Cure, while Ray Charles, Sir Elton John, and Billy Joel played right next to it.
35. The thumbs-up sign is believed to have originated here
Last on our list of fun facts about the Roman Colosseum is one that only a few people know of.
It is believed that the thumbs-up sign originated from the Colosseum — or at least it was popularized there.
When the thumbs-up sign was shown, it symbolized that the gladiator should be killed or was to be put to death via the jugular.
Once dead, the gladiators were carried out of the west exit, which came to be known as the Gate of Death.
Similarly, the “closed fist with a wraparound thumb” sign was meant to spare the gladiator.
Final Thoughts on the Most Interesting Facts About the Colosseum
After going through all these interesting facts about the Colosseum, which one(s) were you most surprised about?
If you’ve taken a Colosseum tour and know of any other fun fact, I’d love to hear about it, so leave a comment below.
And if you haven’t visited this Roman marvel yet, I hope this article has made you even more excited about seeing it in person.
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