They say as long as the Colosseum stands, so will Rome and rest of the world. Commissioned in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian, it’s a massive three-tiered Roman amphitheater. With its ellipse-shaped architecture resembling Dante’s circles of hell, this gladiatorial arena is irrefutably one of the most iconic edifices of ancient Rome. Officially called the Flavian Amphitheater, the 50,000-seat arena has been the cynosure of celebrations, ceremonies, combats, and sporting events.The Colosseum is an amphitheater located in Ancient Rome. Although other similar amphitheaters were constructed around this time, the Colosseum was the largest ever built. Commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian, the monument was completed by his son Titus.
The place on which it was constructed was actually the site of Nero’s palace. A huge bronze statue of Nero was set near the monument in the second century A.D. The Colosseum has around 80 arched entrances. It was used as a venue for entertainment, including battles of the gladiators, animals, and public executions.
The arena had a huge wooden floor coated with sand. The subterranean passages were composed of a series of tunnels that were used for the entry of the wild beasts used in the fights in the arena. Some of the tunnels were also used to store equipment used during the fights.
The slaves, prisoners of war or sentenced criminals generally became Roman gladiators. A majority of them were male. All people irrespective of their class, whether rich or poor, attended these combats. Even the Emperor frequently attended these fights. So many contests were held in a single day that if the ground got drenched with blood, fresh sand was poured over the surface and the fights carried on.
As gladiators fought, vicious cries and curses were heard from the audience around the Roman Colosseum. These games were put to a halt when Christianity progressively influenced the rulers to stop the parts of the contests which involved loss of human life.
The structure has become an icon of Rome, and is visited by tourists from around the world. Many visitors take guided tours inside the Colosseum to learn about the events that took place there.
The Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino) was built to commemorate the victory of Constantine over Maxentius at Pons Milvius. This 25-meter high structure was built in 315 AD.
- After a global poll in 2007, the Colosseum was included in the list of New7Wonders of the World.
- The Colosseum was constructed from 70 to 80 AD.
- This large stadium could seat about 50,000 people, and was used for a variety of events.
- The Colosseum is also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, because it was created under the rule of the Flavian dynasty.
- In 1980, the Colosseum was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- Read More: Facts about the Colosseum in Rome
- Read: Facts about Italy….
Where is the Colosseum ?
Located in the center of the capital of Italy, Rome, the Colosseum is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. Fiumicino Airport is at a distance of around 31 kms from the Colosseum. The Rome Metro has a stop at the Colosseo on the B line. One tram stop and two bus stops are near the monument.
Best Time To Visit Colosseum
Summer in Rome is generally hot and crowded, with long lines at every attraction, including the Colosseum. Better times to visit are in Spring and Autumn, when weather in Rome is more pleasant, and the city is much less crowded.
Colosseum Hours
The Colosseum has different visiting hours throughout the year. Its opening time is 8:30 am. The closing times are as follows:
16.30 from January 2 to February 15
17.00 from February 16 to March 15
17.30 from March 16 to last Saturday of March
19.15 from last Sunday of March to August 31
19.00 from September 1 to September 30
18.30 from October 1 to last sunday of October
16.30 from the last sunday of October to December 31
2:00 pm on Good Friday
On 2 June the monument opens at 1:30 am and closes at 7:15 pm.
The Colosseum is closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
Colosseum Tickets
You can purchase your ticket online. The adults ticket costs € 12.00. European Union members between 18 and 24 years old have to pay just € 7.50. Special passes are also available.
More Information
Nearby attractions: Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Via del Corso, Vatican City, Pantheon and Spanish Steps
Don’t miss Italy major attractions: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Amalfi Coast, Venice, Colosseum, Rome, Portofino, Uffizi Gallery, Pompeii.