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Facts about the Roman Colosseum
Fact 1
When it was first built it was originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre, after the Flavian
dynasty of Emperors including Vespasian, Titus and Domitian.
Fact 2
The name 'Colosseum' is derived from the Latin word 'colosseus' meaning colossal. This
was in reference to the gigantic statue of the Emperor Nero, which had been previously
erected near the site of the Colosseum.
Fact 3
Fact 4
The great amphitheatre covers and area of 6 acres
Fact 5
Fact 6
The outer circumference measures 545 metres (1,788 ft). It is 50 metres high (187 ft), 189
metres (615 ft) long and 156 metres 510 ft wide.
The area beneath the Colosseum was called the Hypogeum (meaning underground). The
hypogeum consisted of two-level subterranean network of tunnels and 32 animal pens. It
had 80 vertical shafts which provided instant access to the arena for animals and scenery.
Fact 7
The Emperor Domitian, the younger son of Vespasian added the hypogeum and also a
gallery at the top of the Colosseum to increase its seating capacity.
Fact 8
The Colosseum is located in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy (Piazzale del Colosseo,
Rome). The absolute location is 41 degrees latitude and 12 degrees longitude.
Fact 9
Fact 10
There were 36 trap doors in Arena allowing for elaborate special effects
Fact 11
The wild and exotic animals which included lions, tigers, hyenas, hippos, rhino's,
crocodiles, ostriches, antelopes, bears and zebras
Fact 12
Fact 13
There were over 20 different types of Gladiators
Fact 14
The Colosseum was built for several reasons:
▪ As a gift to Roman Citizens, increasing the popularity of the Flavian dynasty
▪ Staging various forms of entertainment in a purpose built stone amphitheatre, creating a
diversion for unemployed and unruly Plebs
▪ To utilize and showcase the latest Roman engineering techniques demonstrating to the
world the power of Rome
The emperor took up a prominent position in the imperial box was called the pulvinar
which was located on the podium (meaning place of honor) which was like a terrace and
about 15ft wide astride the centre of the minor axis of the arena on the north side. Seating at
the Colosseum
Fact 15
Entrance to the games was free. The massive amphitheatre had a capacity estimated at
between 50,000 and 80,000 Romans
The animals displayed and killed at the theatre were transported from every corner of the
Roman Empire reflecting the scale and scope of the Roman provinces. Wild Animals at the
Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum was used for staging various events including gladiator fights, wild
animal displays, theatrical entertainment, executions, religious ceremonies, mock sea
battles and re-playing famous Roman victories.
Fact 16
The Flavian Amphitheatre was built of travertine on the outside and tufa and brick in the
interior. The main pedestals were built of marble blocks.
Fact 17
In the building of the Colosseum the slaves undertook the manual labor and teams of
professional Roman builders, engineers and decorators undertook the skilled tasks.
Fact 18
The Colosseum consisted of four floors. The first three storeys had high, arched entrances
designed with tiers of Ionic, Doric and Corinthian columns.
Fact 19
A Retractable Awning called the Velarium at the Roman Colosseum provided cover and
shade. Brackets supported 240 wooden masts on which canvas awnings were hung.
Fact 20
There were 76 entrances which were numbered but there were an additional four grand
entrances which were not numbered. Colosseum Entrances and Exits
Fact 21
Tickets were distributed for the shows, each one marked with a seat number, tier number
and entrance number. The inaugural games at the Colosseum lasted more than 100 days.
Fact 22
At the end of the day the gladiators who had been killed were dragged through the Porta
Libitinensis (Gate of Death) to the Spoliarium where the body was stripped and the
weapons and armor given to the dead gladiator’s lanista.
Fact 23
The arena was 287 ft long and 180 ft wide. The arena was covered with 15cm of sand.
Fact 24
There were various entrances/ exits from the arena. The Porta Sanavivaria was the Gate of
Life where those who had been defeated but spared would exit, the Porta Libitina was the
Gate of Death or Executions and the Porta Triumphalis where the victors would exit the
arena.
Fact 25
The bisellium was a richly ornamented seat of honor at the games. It was so called because
there was room for two persons upon it, although only one sat there, usually the Emperor.
Fact 26
Fact 27
Fact 28
Fact 29
42 Roman Emperors witnessed the carnage at the amphitheatre
Fact 30
The massive Flavian Amphitheatre took less than 10 years to build
An estimated 700,000 people died in the bloody arena
Executions of Christians or Criminals provided popular midday entertainment.
As many as 5000 animals were slaughtered in one day - wild animals were killed to the
point of extinction.