Colosseum of Rome

travel wonder in Italy

Why the Colosseum

of Rome is special

The Colosseum of Rome is truly colossal - it stands 50 meters (165 feet) high and measures 185 meters (600 feet) long. It was large enough to hold 50,000 roaring spectators when it was inaugurated in 80 AD. Today, it is one of the most dramatic, historic and recognized archaeological monuments on earth.

The original

Colosseum of Rome

The animated picture on the right depicts the wonder in its youth. I drew and superimposed its awning over the Caen model. This illustrates how the Colosseum of Rome appeared when its huge awning was temporarily mounted to shield spectators on raining and hot sunny days.

Today's

Colosseum of Rome

The wonder is in a partially ruined state, but it is in remarkable condition when you consider it was built nearly 2000 years ago.

Why the Colosseum

was built

The Flavian Roman emperors built the Colosseum of Rome for entertaining their subjects (and to distract their minds from the woes of the time).

Among the most popular "crowd pleasers" were bloody contests pitting gladiators against gladiators and wild beasts. Even naval battles were staged in the Colosseum of Rome (the arena's floor was flooded for those events). Non-martial events were staged, too, including lavish theatrical productions and tamed animal acts.

Popular misconceptions

Hollywood movies reinforced some widespread false impressions about the Colosseum of Rome. Historians doubt that the wholesale martyring of Christians occurred there. And, the image of lions eating the Christians before cheering crowds is likely fantasy.

Films have also bolstered the myth that thumbs down meant to kill the person in the arena. It was just the opposite in Roman times. Thumbs up signaled "kill him" and thumbs down, "spare him."

Correct spelling

Which is correct, "Colosseum," "Coliseum" or "Colloseum"? All are correct (though the first two are more widely used),

My other Colosseum

of Rome pages

When to go

to Rome

Read my at-a-glance charts with tips & insights on Rome's:

View my other gold,

silver & bronze medal

winners in Italy

My Italian

phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

View my Italian

cuisine guide

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world wonder

I hope your Italy travel dreams come true - and that 

my Colosseum of Rome page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications