- The Colosseum was constructed between 72 A.D. and 80 A.D. using stone and concrete. This was during the rule of Emperor Vespasian in Ancient Rome and needed the manpower of thousands of slaves.
- This magnificent landmark could seat 50,000 spectators and boasted 80 entrances.
- The Colosseum can boast it is the largest amphitheater in the world. IN fact, it could easily fit a football pitch inside. The structure measures 189 meters in length, 156 meters wide and 50 meters high.
- This venue was used as a way for Emperors to gain popularity amongst their subjects. When they hosted the biggest sporting events, the Emperors would pay all the costs and spectators could attend for free. Some Emperors even provided free food at the event.
- The events held were nothing like the sporting games of today as they were far more brutal. Up to 10,000 animals were sometimes killed in a single day during an event and the human participants often also endangered their lives or suffered serious injury.
- Many events took place in the blistering heat. To protect the spectators, the Colosseum had a type of awning that they could pull over the seating area called the velarium.
- There is more to the Colosseum than first meets the eye as there are many rooms below the structure and a maze of underground passages. This area, called the Hypogeum, is where the animals and gladiators were held until it was their turn in the arena.
- Special effects at an event is not a modern thing. The Colosseum boasted 36 trap doors to create special effects for added excitement.
Sources
- Main Image: When in Rome [Unsplash]
