Construction on the Colosseum was started in 72 AD by the emperor Vespasian. It was finished eight years later in 80 AD
The Colosseum could seat 50,000 people. It covers around 6 acres of land and is 620 feet long, 512 feet wide, and 158 feet tall. It took more than 1.1 million tons of concrete, stone, and bricks to complete the Colosseum.
Where people sat in the Colosseum was determined by Roman law. The best seats were reserved for the Senators. Behind them were the equestrians or ranking government officials. A bit higher up sat the ordinary Roman citizens (men) and the soldiers. Finally, at the top of the stadium sat the slaves and the women.
Below the Colosseum was a labyrinth of underground passages called the hypogeum. These passages allowed for animals, actors, and gladiators to suddenly appear in the middle of the arena. They would use trap doors to add in special effects such as scenery.
The walls of the Colosseum were built with stone. They made use of a number of arches in order to keep the weight down, but yet still keep them strong. There were four different levels that could be accessed by stairs. Who could enter each level was carefully controlled. The floor of the Colosseum was wooden and covered with sand.
Outside of the Colosseum was an enormous 30 foot bronze statue of the emperor Nero called the Colossus of Nero.Some historians believe that the name for the Colosseum comes from the Colossus.
The Colosseum had 76 entrances and exits. The public entrances were each numbered and spectators had a ticket that said where they were supposed to enter. The west exit was called the Gate of Death. This was where dead gladiators were carried out of the arena.
We took a guided tour of the Colosseum at night, which was spectacular!
Gayla's Blog 