Hidden Facts of the Colosseum: Surprising Details You’ll Discover on a Tour
The sun glares over the grand amphitheater. Voices filled the arena. The gate creaked open, and a gladiator entered carrying his sword. Being aware that this battle will decide his fate. The air is thick with dust, sweat and the promise of glory. One swing of the sword could mean triumph or … death. This was the Colosseum, a stage for survival, power and spectacle.
Sounds thrilling, doesn’t it?
Hi, we’re Vatican Guided Tour, and we know exactly what you’re thinking now;
“I wish I could witness this in real life.”
We can’t turn back time. We’ll take you into an ancient world. Come with us as we walk through the Colosseum, a great amphitheater that has fascinated people for over 2,000 years.
What’s more? It is crammed with surprising detail and interesting facts. With its amazing architecture and engineering feats, and the extraordinary shows that were held there, the Colosseum is a marvel not only of ancient Rome but the creativity of humankind. As we walk through this full experience, you will find secret facts about Vatican city and Colosseum that few people ever hear of in the traditional tours. Are you ready for the excitement of history? Let’s get started!
5 Interesting Insights About the Colosseum
1. Colosseum: (✗) , Flavian Amphitheater: (✔ )
When tourists or anyone stands in front of The Colosseum they wonder how long the construction took. Some assume 50 years while others estimate longer. However, the truth is pretty shocking, as it originally took 8 years, which was around 72 and 80 AD.
Vespasian did not live to see the amphitheater completed, as the work was finished by his son Titus in 80 AD. The term “Colosseum” began to be used much later, around the 8th century. It came from a nearby statue called the Colossus of the Sun, which later on disappeared. Unofficially known as the Colosseum and official declared as the Flavian Amphitheater.
2. It Only Took 8 Years to Build
When visitors look at the Colosseum and guess the time it took to build they usually say it was around 50 years or maybe close to a century. The truth shocks them. It took only eight years to construct this massive amphitheater, between 72 and 80 AD.
It wasn’t luck. It was a Roman engineering genius. It rises about 48 meters high with an advanced design of arches and vaults to hold its massive weight. Beneath the arena, a labyrinth called the hypogeum housed gladiators, wild animals and props. Pulleys and elevators were used to lift them into the arena for dramatic entrances. For a building made 2,000 years ago, this technology is incredible.
3. A Stadium for 50,000 People
The Colosseum is big enough to fit a modern football field inside. It had 80 entrances for easy access. Even today it is known to be the largest amphitheater, globally, stretching across 156 meters and 189 meters in length.
Most historians agree that it could seat about 50,000 people. Some records even claim up to 85,000. Imagine a crowd of that size cheering for gladiators or watching wild beasts fight. For its time, this was mind-blowing. If you ever stand on the arena floor during a tour, you will truly understand its massive scale.
4. The Lion Story Is Mostly a Myth
Although historians comment that it’s more of a myth than a belief, that Christians were thrown to the lions in the Colosseum. This is among the best known myths but not accurate. The initial assertion of this was from Pope Benedict XIV in 1749.Christians were executed in ancient Rome but almost all of those were at the Circus Maximus, not the Colosseum. Though a few Christians may have passed away in the Colosseum, the Romans did not single out one group. Anyone who broke laws or was sentenced to death could end up in the arena.
5. VIP Sections and Ticket Stubs
The Colosseum had a seating plan similar to modern stadiums. The emperor had his own reserved section. Senators and important citizens had premium spots close to the arena. The seats were numbered. Tickets were made from broken pottery pieces with the seat number carved on them. Even in ancient times, social class mattered. The higher your status, the better your view of the show.
Experience It With Vatican Guided Tour
With us at the Vatican Guided Tour, you can feel the same thrill without waiting in long lines. You can access one of the most iconic wonders of the Colosseum with our skip-the-line tickets.
You will hear vivid stories of gladiator battles and wild animal hunts. You will walk down Via Sacra where Julius Caesar and other great leaders marched! Get a sneak peek of the Roman Forum, Senate House and Palatine Hill with sweeping views of the city. Our expert guides will make history come to life with captivating stories and information you won’t get from books.
And your experience doesn’t end there. Vatican City is waiting for you. Have a gala time exploring the sacred heart of Rome. Visit St. Peter’s Tomb (Necropolis), the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica and all major Holy See sites. Skip the long queues with our custom itinerary. Also get exclusive entries to the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, the Grottoes and the Catacombs.
If you love history, you will fall in love even more. If you have little knowledge of history, you will leave with so much more. And if you think history is boring, come with us. Leave with a heart racing with excitement and stories you will never forget.
Conclusion
The Colosseum represents bravery, strength and human ingenuity. These unthought knowns render its history attractive to us. Plan your tour with the marvels of Vatican City and you have the perfect Roman adventure. So pack your curiosity, respect the Vatican City dress code, check the Sistine Chapel dress code and plan your trip today. And if you are wondering, can you buy Colosseum tickets on the day? The answer is yes but why wait when you can skip the line with us.
Things You Need to Know Before Beginning Your Roman Journey
The ideal moment to capture The Colosseum
Visit The Colosseum early in the morning or in the late evening to escape the crowd
What do I wear when I visit Rome’s ruins?
There are no limitations of what to wear to Vatican City and The Colosseum, however, it is highly suggested to wear comfortable shoes. As for Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel dress code, shoulders and knees must be covered.
Do I have access to the Colosseum’s lower and higher floors?
These are chargeable zones which require special tickets or a specific guided tour.
Is food allowed inside the Colosseum?
Small snacks and water bottles are allowed. There are security checks before entry.