Probably the Most Photographed Point of Interest in Rome
The building of the Roman Colosseum was initiated in 70 A.D. by Vespasian, emperor of Rome after Nero. Vespasian was succeeded by Titus and then Domitian, each adding additions to the great structure completed in 96 A.D.
Able to hold 55,000-80,000 spectators, it remains the largest amphitheater in the world. There was no admission fee, but one sat according to one's social class. Shows were a daily event, well- attended and included gladiator fights, mock sea battles, executions, classic Greek mythological dramas, and wild animal hunts.
At the inaugural event, more than 9,000 exotic animals from all over the world were hunted and killed. The meat from the animals slaughtered was cooked and fed to the audience.
Criminals and slaves were often given the choice of gladiator competition to win their freedom, but most did not live past the event.
Inside the Colosseum Ruins
Not a very pretty picture, but interesting nonetheless. One can see how large the amphitheater truly is. The structures at the bottom were underneath the floor of the colosseum and held animals and gladiators awaiting their fateful debut on stage.
An underground tunnel afforded safe and private entrance for the wild animals, gladiators and actors. A large park across the road from the Colosseum housed the wild animals and a school for the professional gladiators. Both people and animals died from the extreme heat and poor ventilation underneath the stage.
The floor of the stage was either covered with deep sand to absorb the blood of the slain animals or it was filled with water from the Tiber River for the mock sea battles which took place with genuine floating ships.
