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Things to know about the Colosseum in Rome, Italy
It was almost midnight when the Swiss International Airlines flight from Zurich landed in Rome’s Fiumicino airport which is also known as Leonardo da Vinci airport. I disembarked from the aircraft and followed the stream of passengers towards the baggage carousel to collect my baggage. After almost 15 minutes of waiting patiently, I realized with some degree of exasperation that my baggage was not on the belt, by this time almost all of the passengers who had traveled who were with me on the flight from Zurich had found their baggage and made their way to the exit. I found a customer service counter and explained my predicament to the girl manning it, who with an air of practiced nonchalance thrust a form into my hand and asked me to fill up a form with the address of the place that I would be staying in Rome.
“We will get the baggage and send it to your address in a day or two”, she said, giving me a broad smile. I was in no mood to reciprocate her pleasantries and stared sombrely at the form in my hand, thinking that I may not be in Rome when the baggage arrives. Just then luck smiled at me. One of the ground staff whom the girl had dispatched to look for my baggage before she thrust the form in my hands returned wheeling my ‘bundle of joy’, my suitcase! I now profusely thanked him and gave the counter girl one of my broadest smiles and made my way to the exit of the airport to enter a city that I had dreamt of as a kid, Rome.
The Colosseum in Rome had fired my imagination as a kid as I think would be the case for most boys. The Colosseum’s ancient history, the Gladiators vs Lions fights, and other Colosseum facts for kids had indeed fueled my dreams and here I was about to realize my dream of seeing with my own eyes the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
As we drove through the streets of Rome towards the hotel that we had booked, I peered out of the window. “The city looks like any other city in the world”, I thought. My fertile imagination had conjured up a city lined with marble statues and fountains, gladiators strutting about in their shining armour, Roman noblemen walking the streets in their flowing robes with beautiful damsels clinging to their arms! My adult mind shoved my juvenile imagination aside as we reached our hotel and I thankfully sank into a comfortable bed thinking about my Roman holiday and slept peacefully dreaming about the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, Europe.
A Brief History of the Colosseum in Rome
The Colosseum was ordered to be constructed by Emperor Vespasian in the year 72 AD. The construction of the largest amphitheater in the world began at the site where stood the personal and grandiose palace built by Emperor Nero. The palace known as Domus Aurea was pulled down and the Colosseum rose in its place, a symbolic gesture by Emperor Vespasian against the hedonistic tendencies of Emperor Nero. The Colosseum was completed in the year 80 AD by Titus who was the son of Vespasian. It is said that after the grand inauguration a festival of games was held that lasted for 100 days and these included the recreation of famous battles, gladiatorial combats, animal hunts, animal hunts, fights between different animals and executions.
Colosseum – Ancient History, Interesting Colosseum Facts
What is special about the Colosseum Rome that fires the imagination of young and old alike? What is it that makes the Colosseum in Rome one of the seven wonders of the world?
- The Colosseum or Coliseum is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre
- The Colosseum in Rome is the largest amphitheater ever built
- The Colosseum in Rome was completed way back in the year 80 AD
- The Colosseum in Rome had the capacity to accommodate between 50,000 to 80,000 people in its heyday
- The name Colosseum is believed to have originated from the fact that a huge 30-meter statue known as the Colossus of Nero of Emperor Nero stood in the vicinity
- The Colosseum in Rome used to be the venue for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and executions
- The Colosseum in Rome had a Hypogeum or underground chambers which were used to hold gladiators and animals before the contest, a network of tunnels led outside of the Hypogeum and was used to bring in the gladiators and animals
- The base area of the Colosseum in Rome is 24,000 square meters and the elliptical structure is 189 meters long and 156 meters wide
- The architecture of the Colosseum in Rome continues to be an enigma with many a secret in its folds
The Colosseum Experience
I looked at the huge beast as it growled angrily, it was indeed huge and I was pitted against it. The 50,000 strong crowds roared in unison and the intensity of that sound itself chilled my bones to the marrow. We looked at each other taking our attacking positions, me stretching out my left hand with the shield as far as it could go. The beast made the first move as it lunged at me. My shield recoiled with the impact as the wild animal hit it with a thud and I lost my balance and fell to the ground. I watched him taking his stance for the next attack from the corner of my eye, I struggled with all my strength to get back on my feet, but my efforts were in vain as I caught a glimpse of the animal in mid-air. The crowd had gone berserk now and the shouting had reached a crescendo as they bayed for my blood. They shouted louder and louder, and suddenly their hoarse voices were transformed into the shrill ringing tone of a cell phone; I woke up in a sweat to the alarm going off on my cell phone. I was in my hotel room in Rome and it was time to get up and get ready to pay an early morning visit to the Colosseum in Rome.
After being fortified by a decent breakfast we found ourselves on the roads of Italy – outside the Colosseum in Rome. I looked with a sense of deja vu at a couple of ‘gladiators’ who stood there, deep in an early morning conversation, probably discussing strategies to increase revenues by getting more tourists to pose with them for photographs. I was sure they would not be discussing strategies to tackle a wild beast in the midst of the amphitheater!
We soon found ourselves near the ticket counters and there were huge queues though it was quite early in the day and we had deemed it the best time of day to visit the Colosseum. It is always advisable to opt to skip the line Colosseum tours as this will ensure you do not waste time at the ticket counters. If you are looking for tickets to the Colosseum in Rome, you have many options to book Colosseum tours and tickets on the internet. We had booked our Colosseum tickets online and hence got through the formalities pretty quickly and were soon inside the Colosseum. As I looked at the dark walls my imagined images for Colosseum flashed through my mind and I wondered as to what secrets of the Colosseum would be revealed today.
The Colosseum looked impressive in spite of its ancient and weather-beaten appearance. What immediately catches your attention are the innumerable arches that grace each storey. If you are wondering how many arches are on each floor of the Colosseum, then do note that there are four arcaded floors in the Colosseum and the first three floors have 80 arches each. The arches are framed by Corinthian, Doric, and Ionic columns. An attic is the fourth storey and this consists of Corinthian Pilasters which frame bays that have windows and large decorative shields of gilded bronze. Above these jutted out Corbels that were used to support wooden masts.
It was from these wooden masts that awnings were suspended. Just imagine a gladiator fight going on in the middle of the amphitheater and the blazing Mediterranean sun beating down, but hey, not to worry a huge awning made from either canvas, linen, or cotton would be hoisted and the spectators could watch the ‘show’ in indulgent comfort. The awning suspended from 240 masts and a system of ropes and pulleys ensured that the spectators were able to watch the proceedings sheltered from the vagaries of the weather.
Do you want to understand the process of how the awning was raised in the Colosseum? Then watch this delightful computer-animated video:
We wandered around the Colosseum marveling at the world’s largest amphitheater and clicking pictures as a childhood dream had seen the light of day.
The Colosseum was filled with the excited buzz of tourists whose chatter was probably nothing compared to the din of over 50,000 voices shouting and cheering the entertainment that took place in the center of the amphitheater.
As we peered down at where the arena floor which was just above the hypogeum we could not but helps thinking about the bloody games and bloodshed that the place had witnessed centuries ago. The place is supposed to have been a mute witness to gladiator fights to the death, bloody animal hunts, crucifixions and much more. It is estimated that in the course of 4 centuries a million human lives were snuffed out here, each season saw the death of 11,000 animals that included tigers, lions, elephants, and much more. In fact, it is thought that the Balkan Lion and the North African Elephant were expedited on the path to extinction because of their use in the events of the Colosseum.
Today, of course, the Colosseum forms the backdrop for more sedate activities like wedding photography.
Secrets and Questions About The Colosseum in Rome
The Colosseum was an entertainment arena for the Romans and it was here that incredible effects of wild animals suddenly and magically appearing from nowhere into the arena and charging at a gladiator or condemned prisoner was orchestrated. Research hypothesizes that the underground chambers served as resting places for the wild animals in their cages which were then hoisted by a lift and released through trap doors into the arena through a complex rope and pulley system.
There were innumerable questions buzzing in our minds, the audio guide answered many of them and we recommend that if you are on your own then do opt for an audio guide. The questions that plagued us and the answers that we found were as under:
Q. Why is the Colosseum one of the Seven Wonders of the World?
A. I don’t think that there was any doubt left in our minds after we set foot in the Colosseum.
Q. How many people were killed in the Colosseum?
A. A million or more.
Q. What happened to the animals in the Colosseum?
A. The answer is obvious, they met their nemesis.
Q. Why was the Colosseum important to the Roman Empire?
A. The Colosseum stood as a massive icon of Roman supremacy, power, and military might.
Q. How long did it take to build the Colosseum?
A. The Colosseum took approximately 6 to 8 years to be completed.
Q. How long and wide is the Colosseum
A. The proportions of the Colosseum are epic with a length of 189 meters and a width of 156 meters. The height of the outer wall of the Colosseum is 48 meters which is approximately equal to that of a 12 storeyed building.
Q. When was the last gladiator fight?
A. The last known gladiator fight was in the year 404 AD.
Q. Where did the Romans get the lions?
A. Animals including lions were captured from Asia and Africa by the Roman soldiers as well as hunters and these were then sent to the Colosseum.
Q. What do you call a female gladiator?
A. Women gladiators who fought in the Colosseum and other bloody theatres were called Amazones.
If you are fascinated by the Colosseum and its secrets and want to learn more about this intriguing structure and its hidden stories, and learn interesting facts about the Colosseum in Rome then do not fail to watch this amazing documentary by National Geographic:
We left the Colosseum deep in thought, marveling at the ingenuity of Man who had engineered a marvel in stone known as the Colosseum. At the same time, we also felt sad for the millions of lives lost in the bloody spectacles that served as entertainment in medieval times.
The Colosseum, Rome’s icon had been visited but there was much more to see in Rome and we were looking ahead to some more exciting times as we lost ourselves in the fables and myths of medieval Rome. Just around the corner of time, beautiful Florence and fascinating Fiesole also beckoned us with their timeless beauty.
Have you visited the Colosseum? What were your feelings when you were there?
Rome Tourism
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This is on my bucket list of life. I have never been to Europe at all, but Rome will be my first stop when I do get over there.
So glad your baggage was found! I’ve always wanted to go to Rome and I love all the photos of the Colosseum. I hope to travel there someday and see it for myself.
A good friend is over there right now enjoying everything Italy has to offer. She has sent back some beautiful photos. I really want to visit now.
This is so cool! I’ve always wanted to see the colosseum in person. I’m big on history, so it would be so neat to explore.
I have never been to Rome but it’s on my list of places to visit. I would love to check out the Colosseum in person. It would be such a fun, entertaining way to learn about history.
This is definitely high on my list of places that I want to check out. I really like to learn about history but I like to do it with physically going to the place. For me it makes it a lot more real.
Very informative and interesting post! I want to take a trip to Italy at some point in my lifetime. It’s on my bucket list.
Wow, it’s pretty sobering to think that a million or more people died here all for a sport. What an amazing opportunity to see it.
Your external photographs are beautiful! It looks so impressive. It’s crazy to think that death used to be a sport!
The Colosseum is truly an amazing structure. I really need to see it before it is too late.
And this is why I want to visit Rome! These photos are beautiful. The history is amazing. What an awesome adventure.
It’s pretty crazy to imagine what it would be like to be in the crowd of one of the Colosseum events. I definitely have to tour this for myself one day.
Great article! It is very informative. They should fix the wax display of the Gladiator guy.
I have always wanted to visit Rome. Seeing the Colliseum is on my travel bucket list
It was fascinating to learn more about the Colosseum. This is a place that I have always wanted to visit!
I would love to travel to Rome and see the Colosseum!! It is high up on my travel bucket list!
Loved the fact that you have dedicated an entire post only for the Colosseum and not included in general post of Rome. In fact the colesseum itself has a lot to say…
I totally agree with you that Rome, and the Colosseum, inspire many a traveler in their youth. It was especially important for me as someone who took 4 years of Latin in high school! Rome was actually the first city outside the US I ever visited back in 2006 – I was sooo young at the time. Fortunately, I got back to the eternal city in 2015 for another round of sightseeing and searching out local eateries.
You really covered so much about the Colosseum here and I agree – it’s a sight that is certainly worth all the hype it gets. It’s a shame it’s been so battered by the passage of time and the changing politics of Rome and Italy. Thanks for the great post on this historic hot spot 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to read the post and your detailed comment, much appreciated. The Colosseum is really colossal and no amount of words can actually do justice to it.
The largest amphitheater in the world – the colosseum is definitely worth a visit. We were there some months back and the memories are still afresh. The spread of the amphitheater and it’s strength have stood the testimony of time. It’s one of the strongest structures in the world as of today, however, I don’t really liked the stories of what used to go on inside the colosseum.. Still, for it’s sheer architecture, it is a must visit.
The stories associated with the Colosseum are really spine-chilling, but yes on a different level the structure deserves all the attention that it gets.
I love Rome. And I find it absolutely unique and fascinating that all these old – and here ‘old’ is not ‘only’ a couple of hundred years – structures are still there where Romans walked upon in sandals; and now we are walking there (mostly in sandals, too 😉 ). It’s nice that you took the time to describe your thoughts and feelings at this place instead of just check the sight seeing list. This place definitely deserves it. Thank you and happy travels, Renata
I am happy to see you liked the post. Rome is indeed fascinating and generates a plethora of emotions.
Isn’t it feels so good when you’d able to fulfill your childhood dream…
The way you shared your experience seeing Colosseum in Rome made me wish to see it one day as well… Thanks for the infos and trivias…
Yes, indeed the experience was fulfilling. I am sure you will see the Colosseum one day.
Thanks for an eye opening account of Rome. After reading your post, I realise I had known very less about the city and its magnificent history.
Rome is indeed a city which has something intriguing around every bend in the road.
I must say the history of colosseums and of killing prisoners (and animals) by forcing them to brutally fight each other is one of the most disgusting traditions in history-
Though now this colosseum inspires awe and admiration due to the history and architecture it certainly, like many other historic structures, has a sinister past.
It’s interesting that you include so many historic facts-and great to learn something. I cannot believe that even back this far in time, that they could get 50,000-80,000 people to one location, all for nothing but the draw of seeing animals and humans rip each other apart. astounding.
Thinking about the bloodshed makes one shudder. But yes it is magnificent from an architectural point of view.
Fascinating! Such a wonderful piece of architectural creation. I have yet to see it.
I am sure you will soon 🙂
Oh I so remember Colosseum! I love the memories this post brings! It is awe inspiring and for me, to be there standing in the place is already an achievement! Beautiful Italy!
Yes indeed the Colosseum is a magnificent example of the architecture of ancient Italy.
The Colosseum is such an amazing piece of history not only architecturally but also because of the sheer amount of lives lost within it. Thanks for the detailed journey, I’ve never visited Rome…yet.
wish i will be there some day. Rome is one of favorite destination.
Unreal! This is undoubtedly one of the most iconic place to visit on Earth, I found you post very informative and well written, i learnt so much now.
this is very educational! I love the video after the great read! so much I didn’t know.
I love studying history, but seeing it in person is a completely different thing. I hope to make it to the Colosseum some day.
Dreaming of seeing the Colosseum in person. Whenever I think of structures like this, all I think of is how labor intensive it would have been to get it built. The workers only had crude tools and yet they were able to make such a massive structure!
I have been to the Colosseum during our last visit to Italy. Although you can marvel at this massive structure, all I thought of when I was there was the barbaric acts, the bloodshed, the fights. It gave me goosebumps.
That is some great set of information on the Colosseum. What blew me away was that it took just 7-8 years at that time to build it ! That was phenomenal. I haven’t visited Rome yet and it is on my list !
“panem et circenses”, right? If you entertain the masses, you won’t have to deal with opposing political views – a superficial means of appeasement 😀 Roman emperors knew their stuff, and the collosseum sure is one great tool to do so. Nevertheless, the building itself is nowadays more than just an “impressing tourist attraction”, but an architectural masterpiece, despite its former purpose…
I went to visit the Colosseum last summer and wish I read this post. So much great information! I didn’t even know there were female gladiators but I like the name Amazones.
So glad you enjoyed your time, and very clever to have pre purchased your tickets online – those lines are always HUGE!
I visited the Colosseum 10 years ago now, and it was one of the highlights of my time in Rome. Touristy for sure, but it’s one of those experiences which transports you back in time, and you can actually imagine yourself in the crowd from Roman times. It’s quite an incredible experience – I loved it!!
Glad they didn’t actually lose your bags btw!!
I have always been fascinated by the Colosseum ever since I took a class on Ancient Rome in my college years. The history and the architecture are so intriguing. I hope to visit this site one day. Good to know that it’s better to reserve tour tickets online 🙂
Firstly, suitcase scares are the WORST. uhhhhhhhhh 3 times in one year my bag took ‘another flight’ so how lucky that they found your bags!
Second, I really enjoy that you were stoked on the colosseum with the imagination of a boy ahahaha. such a boy move.. thinking about deaths, and amazones, and animal fights.
Colosseum is truly an architectural wonder, and to be built in only 6 wish years is a wild idea.
see any wild cats in the bottom?
I have never visited the Colosseum before. I could imagine the excitement of seeing this architectural wonder. However, at the same time, couldn’t help to feel sad about its history, especially when so many people and animals were killed.
Thanks for all of the awesome information! I had no idea it’s the largest amphitheater in the world! (That’s sad since I’ve been there.) I also had no idea female gladiators were called Amazones! So interesting!
I have visited, in fact I was lucky to be there on the first day that they opened up the underground chambers to the public! Your article is very informative and will be of great help to those visiting. Good to hear that your bags turned up at the airport
I just love the Colosseum in Rome it is such an interesting and beautiful construction. Your post is definitely very informative and love all the facts especially about the one of the last known gladiator fight was in the year 404 AD that is cool to know. Also, I am glad that your bags turned up in the end.
Rome and the Colosseum have been on my bucket list ever since I was little. Studying Ancient Rome has always been fun for me in school and an intricate piece of history. I’m sorry that your luggage didn’t arrive with you, though!
You articulated this post so Well,I’ve been in your shoes with baggage before and it’s not a nice feeling to say the least….i actually have friends heading to Rome soon and I will pass this post onto them
Rome is one of those bucket list places, when you finally get to the colosseum it just doesn’t seem real! Some interesting facts in here too – I did an expensive guided tour and didn’t learn some of them!
Interesting facts! I’m sad to admit I had no idea of it’s real name besides just “Colosseum”! #feetdotravel
Aside from puzza and cheese this coliseum makes Rome Italy famous and in history. I want to see Italy so bad but ai have to plan it long period. Also, I need a visa coming there
I have been to the Colliseum one time in my life and it was incredible. We purchased our tickets day of from a vendor around the corner to avoid having to wait in other lines. There were so many lines at the colliseum we didn’t know which one to use. The waiting in line was definitely worth. I’m glad you had a great time.
My husband has been to the Colosseum but I haven’t. I hope to get there one day. I will be quite the knowledgeable traveler thanks to you!
Maximus is there? Hehehe! We first saw the Colosseum in the movie Way of the Dragon. That’s the place where Bruce Lee fought Chuck Norris. 🙂
We would definitely visit the Colosseum if we have a chance to go to Rome.
Yes I have been to the colosseum, and the memory will stay with me forever! It’s an amazing piece of historical architecture and it’s story is fascinating. I didn’t actually know that women fought there so that was interesting, thank you for taking me back to when I visited Italy 😀 Pinned (I threw 3 coins in the fountain when I visited Rome so I will return!) #feetdotravel
I love your dream! I regret not listening to the audio when I visited the colosseum
I’ve been to Rome several times but still haven’t visited the Colosseum! I would love to go on a private tour there without all the tourists! But I love all the history you shared!
That’s nice! Where else in Italy would you love to visit next?
Colosseum was one of my must do things in Rome and even with a packed schedule, I found time for it. I remember how huge it seemed from every angle. The one thing that I wish I could have done was take the underground the the level 3 tour of the Colosseum. The underground especially would have been amazing.
Never been to Rome. Have only seen pictures of the Colosseum and every time I see them I do remember the Gladiator. No wonder it features at the museum too!
It’s always interesting when you childhood self meets the reality of adulthood. I hope the Colosseum help up to your youthful expectations. It’s hard to believe that the building was symbolic against hedonism and excess. Very interesting.
I appreciate all the facts you’ve included in this post. I haven’t been and would love to see it. I didn’t realize there were female gladiators.
I’ve heard so much about Colosseum and your article really explains everything a traveler needs to know. It’s really amazing to experience the history while standing in the Colosseum. The feeling must be so unforgettable.
Yes indeed the experience of standing in the middle of the largest amphitheatre of the world is something unforgettable. Thanks for visiting us.
The colosseum is such an icon of the eternal city and thanks for sharing so much information about this historic place. Especially the history about the gladiator fight, I could almost imagine the grandeur of being an audience in the past! @knycx.journeying
Glad you liked reading the post, thanks for your feedback.
Generally the arena was meant for entertainment and entertainment came in many forms. I was always amazed by the pulley system and besides it’s size, the engineering genius makes it a world wonder. Some stories suggest that they were able to submerge the inside area with water and have ship plays conducted in the arena.
The whole Colosseum after all was just a way to play smart politics with the empire and it’s sheep. That’s where we got our sports spirit from! 😀
Yes, there are stories that suggest the replay of famous battles of the sea in the arena which used to be flooded with water for the purpose. But many believe that this was probably at a different venue. But the story is fascinating nonetheless. Thanks for reading the post and providing your feedback. Much appreciated.
I’ve visited the Colosseum twice now and will gladly visit several more times. The architecture and construction of the building are as fascinating as the history contained within. It’s like an open-air museum and one of the reasons Rome is my most favorite city in the world.
Lucky you! Hope to visit the Colosseum again 🙂
I have yet to have my luggage left behind. I can only imagine the hassle. I’ve been to the Colosseum but didn’t know much about the history.
I loved your stunning photographs. I’m heading to Rome this summer and I’m so excited to see the Colosseum. I’m glad you shared this important history. I think knowing all of this makes you feel closer to the experience when you’re in the actual Colosseum.
Have a nice time in Rome. Knowing about the history of a place makes the visit all the more interesting at places like the Colosseum.
I love your facts about the Colosseum! I never knew they referred to women gladiators as Amazones. It’s also really strange to think that this kind of sport was an acceptable form of entertainment 🙂 I’ve never been to Rome let alone the Colosseum but, a trip is in the works.
Yes, the Colosseum holds many an intriguing secret within its stone walls and the stories are innumerable and very interesting.
What a fantastic resource on the Colosseum. It’s true that there are so many secrets this mammoth of a monument hides. We had an amazing tour of the underground and loved the behind the scenes look at how shows here really ran.
I was there in August with my wife. We had stood more than hour till we reached head of the line. And we heard how old couple asked to buy tickets by cash and got rejection. Coz pay by card and pay by cash was the separate lines.
What a great, comprehensive post on the Colosseum. I’ve been there a couple of times but have to say I learnt more from this post than both of those visits. The fast facts are super helpful.
This is a worth visit when I’m visiting Rome hopefully next year. The Colosseum looks amazing and I also knew the story of the angry beast and a warrior trying to battle with it. Though I could feel the roar from the massive animal. Sounds scary. Plus the loud noise from the crowd gives me chills. Rome must be an interesting place that we shouldn’t miss.
I remember the first time I went to Rome, turned the corner and saw the Colosseum. It took my breath away. It’s just amazing that it’s still standing there all these years later. So much history and incredible to see in person.
How fortunate the missing luggage turned up so quickly, glad that you didn’t have a PITA start to your Rome trip. For me, one of the wonderful aspects of the city was walking around a modern city and unexpectedly turning a corner to find a chunk of ancient Rome, sometimes just a snatch of old wall incorporated into a newer building. I loved that! Great to learn a bit more about the Colosseum too, I had no idea it was actually the largest amphitheatre ever built!
Rome is indeed a city within a city. The modern brushes shoulders with the ancient and that is what makes the city what it is. Thanks for your feedback Kavita.
The largest amphitheater in the world, the Colosseum is definitely a must visit place. A person like me who love to dwell into history and heritage, this is one of the sacred place to be at. Though, it has its dark history, yet it represents positives of human history. Its imposing architecture deserves all the attention.
I have been there, and I found it equally fascinating and mortifying. Isn’t it a shame that the Romans, who had so much power and knowedge, used it in such horrible ways? I do think everyone should see the Colosseum in person. It is definitely one of the wonders of the world. And by the way, it is much easier to buy your ticket “across the street” at the Roman Forum. There are never lines there, and the tickets they sell there are for both the Forum and the Colosseum.
Yes indeed Tami, though the structure is magnificent, there is an aura of melancholia as the ghosts of the millions who met their death at the Colosseum in Rome seems to haunt the place. Good tip about the tickets 🙂
Woah! I’ve been to Rome but never really got a chance to see this. Seemed like you really enjoyed it hehe I did too from reading your article! Where else would you recommend me to go in Italy? 🙂
So sad that you missed the Colosseum in Rome Isabel. I am sure you will get there next time. Apart from Rome, Florence is really beautiful, I rate it as one of the most beautiful cities in the World. If you have not been there, do plan a visit.
I’ve always been fascinated by Roman History and the Colosseum. It’s incredible to try and imagine what life was actually like in the days where it was the epicenter of life in Rome. I’d love to travel back in time and see it at it’s full glory, although I’m not sure if I’d be OK to watch the fights!
It sounds like you really enjoyed your trip – and I’m glad your luggage wasn’t actually lost – and good call on booking tickets in advance over the internet. The lines at the Colosseum can be brutal!
Never can stop thinking that the ‘sliced’ Colosseum makes a better picture than if it were complete. Fascinating collection of information about this mega structure! And I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your imaginary tales…I have a tendency to get carried away in the same manner 🙂
I teach Ancient Roman history and absolutely love the Roman architecture and culture. I’ve been to Rome 3 times, but always with a group of middle school students. I really want to go when I have time to myself to just soak in all the artifacts and atmosphere!
I visited the colosseum a few years ago but learned much more from reading your post than my own trip! Thanks for that. it is so hard to imagine that all those years ago they were savvy enough to have 80,000 person events and the use of pulley/ropes systems to lower and raise the animals. wow!
Wow, what a fascinating place! I didn’t know a lot of these facts. It’s also called the Flavian Amphitheatre?! Cool.
Really interesting post. We visited the Colosseum 2 years ago – it is an impressive monument and absolutely must see even if you have only one day in Rome ;).
It is well deserved that this historical landmark is now part of the world 7 wonders.