Like many modern cities, Rome has experienced various phases of expansion and construction throughout the centuries.
The site where you can now admire the Colosseum— the largest preserved amphitheater in the world—was once an artificial lake, part of an equally monumental structure called the Domus Aurea.
Let’s start with the Domus Aurea, the grand residence commissioned by the notorious Emperor Nero. This structure was largely demolished by subsequent emperors who wanted to distance themselves from Nero’s infamous legacy. At present, excavation work is underway to unearth the majestic remains on Colle Oppio. Archaeologists and experts conduct studies to explore its splendid environments. Interestingly, during the Renaissance, both the Colosseum and Colle Oppio were almost entirely underground. Prominent artists such as Raphael and Giotto visited the “caves” there—actually parts of the Domus Aurea—and copied the friezes visible in those areas, reviving elements from the Neronian period in their contemporary art. The term “grotesque” derives from these caves.
As is well-known, the construction of the Colosseum began relatively late in the timeline of the Roman Empire, starting in 70 CE and concluding in 80 CE. It was actually built on top of other structures, including parts of earlier buildings.
The Colosseum was a magnificent work of art, adorned with metal and equipped with sails to protect spectators from rain and provide shade during the summer heat. Thousands of animals from all corners of the Empire were used in the games, which were both majestic and famous throughout the realm. Attendance at the Colosseum’s events became a must-see experience for Roman citizens traveling from other regions.
So, what was the Forum? The Forum served as the administrative and commercial hub of the empire; it was the true heartbeat of ancient Rome, where political and commercial decisions affecting the entire empire were made. The Forum continuously evolved as a testament to the victories and historical events of its time. Its development continued until the reign of Emperor Maxentius, when the last column was erected in 608 CE. Notably, some churches, like St. Joseph’s Church, were built on the sites of former Roman temples or ruins, including the Mamertine Prison, also known as Tullianum, which could be a focal point of a specific visit.
The area encompassing the Forum and the Colosseum is extensive, and some entrance tickets are valid for up to 48 hours, allowing visitors to explore fully.
The Colosseum could accommodate 55,000 people, divided into five levels, similar to modern stadiums, which were organized by numbers and letters. All Roman citizens had free access to the Colosseum, with seating assigned based on social class. The seats closest to the arena were reserved for the nobility, senators, and the emperor.
We should imagine the Colosseum during shows or intermissions as akin to a contemporary football match—a chaotic and noisy place where people socialized, often bringing their own food and drinks. Fountains could be found up to the third level inside the Colosseum. Wine was served in limited quantities to prevent excessive drunkenness, and at the end of each show, the arena was meticulously cleaned; many everyday items have been discovered in its drains.
Ultimately, we can envision the Colosseum as a massive film set where the scenes were real, as were the tragedies and events that unfolded during its spectacles.
