The Roman Colosseum is one of the most famous attractions worldwide.
The Colosseum is a major attraction in Rome and remains the largest amphitheatre in the world. It took about seven to eight years to build. Construction is believed to have started between 73 and 75 AD and was nearly completed by 79 AD.
Why was it built?
Emperor Vespasian, the fourth emperor of the Flavian dynasty, decided that amphitheatres needed to be built to revitalise Rome. The Colosseum was designed as a large entertainment venue, capable of holding between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, to amuse the citizens with a range of events.
What events happened in the Colosseum?
Thousands of events were held at the Colosseum, including gladiator battles, contests between men and animals such as lions, elephants, and bears, and mock naval battles. The first event held at the Colosseum was the ‘100 Days of Games’ in 80 AD. This series of events celebrated the opening of the Colosseum and the new Roman Emperor, Titus. The ‘100 Days of Games’ led to the deaths of around 5000 men and animals.
What to see near the Colosseum
The Colosseum is surrounded by many other major attractions worth visiting.
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Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was once the centre of Rome, hosting everything from market stalls to elections, public speeches, and much more. Today, you can explore the Roman Forum and learn about this ancient part of Rome. A tour is recommended as the buildings are now ruins, making it difficult to identify what they once were.
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Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill is significant in Roman history as it is believed to be the birthplace of the city. The upper-class Roman citizens built grand palaces on the hill for themselves and their families.
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Circus Maximus
Circus Maximus was originally built as an entertainment venue and is still used today for live music and gatherings. When it was first constructed in the 6th century BC, Circus Maximus hosted chariot races, triumphal celebrations, public executions, and more.
Colosseum tours
There are multiple Colosseum tours that happen throughout the day, providing the opportunity for a personal guide to take you around the site and share more history. Some tours also include access to the underground levels of the Colosseum, where preparations for events were made. This is where you’ll see where the men and animals were kept underground and hoisted up to the arena floor unexpectedly during battles.