Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
Few monuments embody the grandeur and mystery of ancient Rome like the Colosseum. Known worldwide as a symbol of Roman engineering and culture, the Colosseum has a fascinating history filled with intriguing facts and dramatic changes over the centuries. Here’s a closer look at the secrets behind this iconic structure.
A Monument Built to Impress
The Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was commissioned in 70 AD by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty. Built on the grounds of what had been Nero’s artificial lake, part of his lavish Domus Aurea palace complex, the Colosseum was both a gift to the Roman people and a political statement: it represented the shift from Nero’s excess to a new era focused on public welfare and entertainment.
Construction began under Vespasian, but the amphitheater was inaugurated in 80 AD by his son, Emperor Titus, with grand festivities that reportedly included 100 days of games. These games included gladiator fights, wild animal hunts, and even mock naval battles—an engineering marvel where the arena floor could be flooded to re-enact epic sea battles.
The Colosseum’s Impressive Design and Capacity
The Colosseum’s architecture was an innovation of Roman engineering, using a combination of concrete, travertine, and tuff stones. Standing at about 50 meters (164 feet) high, it had four stories and could accommodate an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators, depending on the setup of each event. The seating was organized by social rank, with the emperor, senators, and noble families occupying the best seats and the general public seated in higher tiers.
Curiosities: Architecture, Traps, and Technology
- Innovative Engineering: The Colosseum boasted advanced features, such as an elaborate system of trapdoors and elevators operated by a series of pulleys, allowing wild animals or gladiators to emerge suddenly from beneath the arena. This added an element of surprise to the spectacles.
- Hypogeum: The hypogeum, or underground structure, consisted of tunnels, cells, and compartments for storing animals, weapons, and stage sets. This area, though hidden from the public, was essential in orchestrating the performances above.
- Weather Protection: The velarium, a massive retractable awning, was stretched over the seating area to protect spectators from the sun. Operated by sailors from the Roman navy, this feature demonstrated the extent to which the Romans prioritized the comfort of their citizens.
The Colosseum After the Empire
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum was repurposed several times. By the 6th century, it was abandoned for its original use and served various purposes over the centuries, including as a cemetery, fortress, and even as a Christian sanctuary. The stones and metal used in the construction were gradually stripped to build other structures across Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Year of Inauguration: 80 AD
The Colosseum’s inaugural year, 80 AD, was an intense period in Roman history. Emperor Titus, known for his military prowess, had just celebrated a major victory over Judea, marked by the construction of the Arch of Titus. Yet, his rule was also marked by challenges, including the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which destroyed Pompeii. Titus’ reign, though short-lived, was one of benevolence and is remembered for his dedication to the people of Rome.
Legacy of the Colosseum Today
Today, the Colosseum stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. Despite the damage caused by earthquakes and stone robbers over the centuries, it remains a powerful reminder of ancient Rome’s ingenuity and social values. For visitors staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, the Colosseum is just a short metro ride away, offering a glimpse into Rome’s storied past with a journey back to the era of emperors and gladiators.
Whether you’re fascinated by Roman history, architecture, or the tales of gladiators, a visit to the Colosseum is an unforgettable experience.
