The Colosseum – a majestic echo of the past

The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is the most iconic landmark of Rome and one of the most extraordinary ancient structures to have endured through the ages. It stands as a remarkable example of the unparalleled architectural and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire.

The construction of the amphitheater most likely began around 72 AD on the orders of Vespasian, the founder of the Flavian dynasty, who ruled from 69 to 79 AD. It was built on the site of an artificial pond (stagnum Neronis) created during the construction of the new imperial residence known as the “Golden House” of Emperor Nero (Domus Aurea).

In 80 AD, after just eight years of construction, Vespasian’s son and successor, Titus, inaugurated the amphitheater with a grand opening offering the Roman people a series of games in which it is said that around 900 condemned gladiators and around 5,000 wild animals were killed.

For the next five centuries, the Roman amphitheater was the scene of many such days, in which the roar of slaughtered animals and the blood of wounded or killed gladiators fed the Romans’ thirst for revenge and their desire for intense entertainment.

Even the fall of the Western Roman Empire (476 AD) did not exhaust the popularity of gladiatorial contests and wild animal hunts. The last historical traces of the games date back to the early sixth century AD (523 AD).

The Roman Colosseum was designed by an unknown architect who was raised in a Greco-Roman environment. He used the experience of several previous generations of builders, complementing existing amphitheater designs with several innovative solutions of his own.

The Flavian Amphitheatre was built on an oval plan, with a longer axis of 188 meters and a shorter axis of 156 meters. It measures 527 meters in circumference and is about 48.5 meters high today (it originally reached a height of 52 meters). It was composed of four cross-vaulted levels, with rows of corridors and stairs running through them. Looking at the Colosseum’s façade from the outside, it is easy to distinguish the first three floors of the building. They are marked by Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian half-columns. The fourth and highest floor of the amphitheater was decorated with Corinthian pilasters.

The arena – a wooden floor covered with a few centimeters of sand (the name comes from the Latin word harena – sand) was exceptionally large (86×54 m) and perfectly visible from any seat in the auditorium.

Underground, the Colosseum housed rooms for gladiators, armories, warehouses, and cages for animals.

The tiers were divided according to social status and gender. On the first level of the auditorium, closest to the arena, were seats for men of the senatorial families and the podium (suggestum) with the emperor’s throne. Further back sat the middle class (equestrians): tribunes of the people, important military men, representatives of plebeian families, and representatives of the provinces. The most distant seats on the fourth level were occupied by women.

The auditorium had about 45/50 thousand seats. The Colosseum had 80 gates, each numbered, allowing spectators to enter or leave the amphitheater very quickly. A real luxury was a canvas roof over the auditorium (velarium), stretched on ropes, protecting spectators from the scorching sun.

The Colosseum – the medieval name “Colosseum” comes from the 35-meter Colossus of Nero, a statue that stood next to the amphitheater for centuries.

Gladiators – originally, they were soldiers who fought in front of spectators. Over time, they were replaced by slaves and prisoners who often fought to the death. The popularity of gladiatorial contests and their commercialization in the imperial era led to free people also becoming gladiators, attracted by the prospect of large monetary rewards and fame.

The Flavians – dynasty, which ruled Rome from 69 to 96 AD, built the Colosseum. Vespasian, the first Flavian emperor, used the spoils of war to finance its construction. His son, Titus, opened the Colosseum in 80 AD with a series of games that lasted for 100 days.

Destruction and restoration – the Colosseum has survived for centuries, but much of its original interior has been destroyed. A major fire in 217 AD damaged the arena and upper levels. Earthquakes and smaller fires continued to damage the Colosseum over the centuries. In the 14th century, it was used as a quarry for building materials.

Modern use – the Colosseum has been restored and is now a popular tourist destination. It is also used for events such as concerts and religious ceremonies. In 2007, the Flavian Amphitheatre was selected as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.

TICKETS TO THE COLOSEUM

Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine_24h ticket

• Regular: €18.00 (includes €2 fee for online purchase)
• Reduced: €4.00 (for youth ages 18-25) (includes €2 fee for online purchase)
• Children and youth under 18 years old: free

Tickets are sold for a specific day and time of entry to the Colosseum.

ONLINE TICKET RESERVATION

• The ticket is valid for three sites: Colosseum – Roman Forum – Palatine.
• The ticket is valid for 24 hours, but allows for one entry to each of the above sites (to the Colosseum on a specific day and time).
• The entrance gates to the FORUM-PALATINE section close one hour before the park closes!

ROMAPASS: yes, with priority entrance (online reservation for a specific day and time is required; + €2 fee)

Note: To confirm the validity of a reduced or free ticket, you must present a valid ID (identity card or passport) when it is checked. Student cards and school IDs are not required and are not honored!

S.U.P.E.R. ticket – Full Experience Ticket with access to the Arena of the Colosseum

• Regular: €24.00 (includes €2 fee for online purchase)
• Reduced: €4.00 (for youth ages 18-25) (includes €2 fee for online purchase)
• Children and youth under 18 years old: free

The ticket is valid for three sites: Colosseum (+ access to the arena) – Roman Forum – Palatine (+ S.U.P.E.R. locations). The ticket is valid for 48 hours, but allows for one entry to each of the above sites (to the Colosseum on a specific day and time). The entrance gates to the FORUM-PALATINE section close one hour before the park closes!

S.U.P.E.R. locations can be visited:

• House of Augustus
  • 1-26 March and 1-29 October: 9:30-16:30 (last entry 16:00), closed on Mondays
  • 27 March – 31 September: 9:30-18:00 (last entry 17:30), closed on Mondays
  • 30 October – 28 February: 9:30-15:30 (last entry 15:00), closed on Mondays
• Curia Iulia
  • 1-26 March and 1-29 October: Saturday, Sunday, and Monday 9:30-16:30 (last entry 16:15)
  • 27 March-31 September: Saturday, Sunday, and Monday 9:30-18:15 (last entry 18:00)
  • 30 October – 28 February: Saturday, Sunday, and Monday 9:30-15:30 (last entry 15:15)
• Santa Maria Antiqua – Rampa Domicjana – Oratorio dei Quaranta Martiri
  • 1-26 March and 1-29 October: 9:30-16:45 (last entry 16:15)
  • 27 March – 31 September: 9:30-18:30 (last entry 18:00)
  • 30 October – 28 February: 9:30-15:45 (last entry 15.15)
• Temple of Romulus
  • 1-26 March and 1-29 October: 9:30-16:45 (last entry 16:15)
  • 27 March – 31 September: 9:30-18:30 (last entry 18:00)
  • 30 October – 28 February: 9:30-15:45 (last entry 18.15)

S.U.P.E.R. Full Experience Ticket

• Price:
  • Regular: €24.00 (includes €2 online purchase fee)
  • Reduced: €4.00 (for youth ages 18-25) (includes €2 online purchase fee)
  • Children and youth under 18 years old: free
• Validity:
  • 48 hours
  • Single entry to each of the following sites:
    • Colosseum (+ arena and underground)
    • Roman Forum
    • Palatine
    • S.U.P.E.R. locations (see below)
• Restrictions:
  • Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
  • Tickets are for a specific day and time.
  • Entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine closes one hour before the park closes.

Opening days:

• Throughout the year, every day of the week except January 1st and December 25th; on Good Friday, open until 2:00 PM (last entry at 1:00 PM).

Opening hours:

• 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM from January 1st to February 15th
• 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM from February 16th to March 15th
• 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM from March 16th to the last Saturday in March
• 8:30 AM to 7:15 PM from the last Sunday in March to August 31st
• 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM from September 1st to September 30th
• 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM from October 1st to October 24th
• 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM from October 25th to December 31st.

Entrance gates to the FORUM-PALATYN section close one hour before the park closes!

The Colosseum stands today as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the ancient Romans. It is a symbol of both their power and their cruelty, and it continues to fascinate and inspire visitors from all over the world. Today, the Colosseum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome.

As we walk through the Colosseum’s arches and gaze upon the towering walls, we can’t help but imagine the roar of the crowd and the clash of swords that once filled this arena. We can picture the gladiators battling to the death, the wild animals charging into the fray, and the emperors watching from their opulent seats.

But the Colosseum is more than just a relic of the past. It is a reminder of the human capacity for both greatness and barbarity. It is a symbol of the power that can be achieved through innovation and engineering, and the cruelty that can arise from a thirst for blood and glory.

As we leave the Colosseum, we carry with us not only the memories of its past grandeur, but also a deeper understanding of the human condition. We are reminded that we are capable of incredible feats, but also of great evil. It is up to us to decide which path we will take.