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Learn lesser-known facts about the Roman Colosseum

16 interesting Colosseum facts

Tour group with guide overlooking the interior of the Colosseum in Rome.

1. The surprising role of Jewish slaves

The Colosseum was actually built by tens of thousands of Jewish slaves that were brought to Rome by Emperor Vespasian. It took almost 10 years to build the Colosseum and was completed in AD 80.

Colosseum arena floor with tourists on a semi-private tour, Rome.

2. The Colosseum could seat up to 80,000 people

The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built and could hold up to 80,000 spectators. It was used for various events such as gladiator battles, animal hunts, and public executions.

Aerial view of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, highlighting its ancient architecture.

3. It was built on an artificial lake

The Colosseum was built on top of an artificial lake that was drained to make way for the amphitheater. The lake was part of Nero's Golden House, which was demolished to make way for the Colosseum.

Guide explaining Colosseum history to tourists in Rome.

4. The Colosseum wasn't always called that

The original name of the Colosseum was the Flavian Amphitheater, named after the Flavian Dynasty of emperors who built it.

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Tour guide with tourists in front of the Colosseum, Rome, at sunset.
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Colosseum underground passageway with ancient stone walls in Rome, Italy.

5. Colosseum's underground labyrinth: Hypogeum

The Colosseum had a complex system of underground tunnels and chambers called the hypogeum, which housed gladiators, animals, and machinery for special effects. The hypogeum was only rediscovered in the 19th century.

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Tour guide leading group near Colosseum in Rome.

6. Contests took place over 100 days

The games sometimes went on for 100 days! Eventually, however, the contests no longer involved the killing of animals and gladiator fights. The last gladiator fights were held in 435 AD and the last animal hunts were in 532 AD.

Colosseum view from Domus Aurea park area in Rome, Italy.

7. It was destroyed by natural disasters

The Colosseum has been severely damaged by at least 3 massive fires and 4 earthquakes. It has undergone multiple repairs and renovations to restore it back to its glory over the years.

Visitors walking through the Colosseum's interior passageway in Rome.

8. It's a symbol of Christianity

Although the Colosseum was used for many violent events, it has become a symbol of Christianity. Many early Christians were martyred in the Colosseum, and Pope Benedict XVI has held a Way of the Cross procession at the Colosseum on Good Friday since 2005.

Visitors exploring the interior of the Colosseum on a private guided tour in Rome.

9. The Colosseum Was Covered in Marble

The Colosseum was originally covered in marble, but much of it was removed over the centuries and used in other buildings. However, some of the marble still remains on the Colosseum's top tier.

Colosseum Arena interior with tourists exploring ancient Roman architecture in Rome, Italy.

10. The Colosseum was also used for nautical battles

In addition to animal hunts and gladiator battles, the Colosseum was also used for nautical battles. The arena was flooded with water, and battles between ships took place.

Tour guide showing a diagram to participants at the Colosseum.

11. It was built by Vespasian and Titus

The Colosseum construction was first commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD. However, Vesuvius died in 79 AD before the construction was complete. His son Titus completed the last level and the Colosseum held its inaugural games somewhere between 80 AD and 81 AD.

Aerial view of the Colosseum in Rome during a VIP private tour.

12. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Colosseum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Roman Empire. It's also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Rome.

Aerial view of the Colosseum in Rome with surrounding cityscape.

13. It had a retractable roof: Velarium

The Colosseum had a retractable awning called the velarium, which was made of canvas and covered the entire seating area. It was used to shade the audience from the sun or rain during events.

Colosseum arches leading to the arena floor, Rome, Italy.

14. A technological marvel of its time

The Colosseum was a technological marvel of its time, with an advanced drainage system that could clear the arena of water within minutes. The amphitheater also had underground tunnels and chambers used to transport gladiators and animals to the arena.

Colosseum in Rome with tourists exploring the ancient amphitheater.

15. The Colosseum was used for over 500 years

The Colosseum was in use for over 500 years, from its construction in AD 80 until the 6th century AD. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum was used for other purposes, such as as a cemetery and a fortress.

Tour guide leading a group at the Colosseum in Rome.

16. Travertine stone was used to build the Colosseum

The material used to build the Colosseum is travertine stone, which was mined at Tivoli, located about 20 miles away. It is estimated that 100,000 cubic meters of travertine were required to construct this massive amphitheater.

Frequently asked questions about the Colosseum facts

What is its most interesting fact?

Despite being nearly 2000 years old, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built by humans.

Where is it located?

The Colosseum is located at the center of the city of Rome, in Italy.

When was it built?

The Colosseum was built between the years 72 AD and 80 AD.

Who built it?

Emperor Vespasian started building the Colosseum. He died in 79 AD before the top level was finished. His son, Emperor Titus completed the top level.

Why was it built?

The Colosseum was built to host various public spectacles, such as gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and mock sea battles. These events were organized to entertain the public and to demonstrate the power and wealth of the Roman Empire.

When did it become functional?

The inaugural games at the Colosseum were held between 80 AD and 81 AD.

What is inside it?

The interiors of the Colosseum feature a massive seating area, capable of housing 85,000 people and an arena that was 83 meters long and 48 meters wide.

What is it famous for?

The Colosseum is famous for holding gladiatorial contests back in the era of ancient Roman Emperors. It is also known for holding numerous festivals, performances, and plays in the arena.

How large is the Colosseum?

he Colosseum is an elliptical-shaped structure that measures approximately 189 meters long, 156 meters wide, and 50 meters high. It could seat up to 50,000 people in its heyday.

What happened to the Colosseum after the fall of the Roman Empire?

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum was abandoned and fell into disrepair. It was used as a quarry for various buildings in Rome and was also damaged by several earthquakes. However, it was later restored and is now a popular tourist attraction.

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