THE COLOSSEUM
PIAZZA DEL COLOSSEO
What can be said about this masterpiece? A symbol of Rome, and Italy, the world over, the Colosseum – originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre after the imperial dynasty that commissioned it – is the perfect introduction for anyone with a burgeoning interest in the ancient world. Opened in 80 CE, after nearly a decade of construction, the amphitheatre served as a giant entertainment venue that hosted gladiator battles, animal fighting, mock sea battles and, in the intervals, mass executions. The Emperor Vespasian felt that by entertaining his people he could quell years of civil unrest.
The best seats were, of course, reserved for the emperors, though that didn’t stop them getting involved with the action – there are reports of Emperors Hadrian and Titus both participating in fights. With capacity for 50,000-80,000 people, the Colosseum is lauded for its revolutionary design. The many different backstage corridors and numerous staircases made crowd control a breeze and it has been claimed by some architectural historians that a crowd of 75,000 people could be dispersed within 15 minutes.
Sadly, the marble that once adorned the interior has long since been pillaged. When visiting make sure you get your joint Forum ticket in advance or organise a private tour to avoid waiting for hours in the heat as there is little shade.
The Colosseum opens every day from 8.30am until sunset.
An adult combined ticket for the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Palatine is 12€.